HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 cc1288-9
56. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give the British Transport Commission a general direction to refrain from banning the display of posters on stations because they are considered politically controversial.

Mr. Hay

No, Sir.

Mr. Swingler

Will not the hon. Gentleman reconsider that? Is he not aware of the British Transport Commission's refusal, for some extraordinary reason, to display posters advertising certain films about affairs in Germany on the grounds that those films might be unfair to Dr. Adenauer and so politically controversial, although the Commission is prepared to advertise all sorts of other things which are extremely controversial? Will he not consider the application of that principle and the removal of that political ban?

Mr. Hay

The hon. Gentleman asks my right hon. Friend to give the Commission a general direction on a matter which is clearly one of day-to-day management. I am afraid that I cannot say other than "No, Sir", in answer to this Question

Mr. Swingler

It is a matter of principle.

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