HC Deb 09 February 1960 vol 617 c217
26. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consultations he has had with other Government Departments as a result of his recent correspondence with he Leyton Free Church Council in respect of the dispatch to local authorities of posters dealing with official notices to be affixed to church premises; if he is aware that large numbers of those posters are so affixed although there is no obligation on the part particularly of Free Churches to provide space for that purpose; and whether, to avoid waste, disfigurement of church premises and annoyance, he will take steps to decrease the number of posters dispatched to local authorities for display in church premises, and ensure that normally their display is confined to Government or local government premises.

Sir K. Joseph

This is a useful practice, but should, of course, be subject to agreement between the local authority and the Church authorities concerned.

Mr. Sorensen

But is the Minister aware that there is, in fact, no legal obligation, especially on the Free Churches, to exhibit these notices, but nevertheless, very many such notices are sent to local authorities and they have to dispose of them? The result is an utter waste. Does the Minister appreciate that it is certainly not encouraging to worshippers in the Free Churches to arrive at their churches and find notices about swine fever, for instance, displayed outside their doors? Will he take some action about it?

Sir K. Joseph

I can only repeat that this is a very useful practice, but it must, obviously, be subject to agreement.