HC Deb 26 January 1961 vol 633 c322
21. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he received last month from the Advertising Inquiry Council regarding misleading advertisements for television sets and domestic appliances which are secondhand or over three years old; and what reply he has made.

Mr. Maudling

I have received representations that it is misleading to offer television sets for sale as "free from Government restrictions" without at the same time disclosing that they are more than three years old. I have brought this suggestion to the notice of the Newspaper Proprietors Association which is, I understand, considering the matter this week. When I have received the Association's report, I shall write to the Council.

Mr. Noel-Baker

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will press the Joint Copy Committee of the Newspaper Proprietors Association and the Newspaper Society, which has shown great reluctance to do anything about these clearly fraudulent advertisements, which make great play with the cheapness of the weekly rentals without stating that these sets are all over three years old? Will he ensure that the result of these talks is effective action to stop this misleading of the public?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think that I should comment until I have received the Association's report, but I will certainly not lose sight of the matter.