HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 cc757-9
19. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of the fact that steps are being taken under the Weights and Measures Bill to repeal Sections in local Acts to ensure that provisions in those Acts with regard to weights and measures will not conflict with the Government's new legislation relating to these matters, he will now take steps to introduce amending legislation to repeal the sections in local Acts which conflict with or duplicate the powers provided in Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, relating to the control of outdoor advertising.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend thinks that the most suitable powers for controlling outdoor advertisements are those of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947. But, as far as he is aware, the existence of local Act provisions covering similar ground has not given rise to such difficulty as to call for amending legislation.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Whilst appreciating, as my hon. Friend says, that the most suitable way of controlling outdoor advertising is through the 1947 Act, may I ask whether he is aware that there are, in addition, a large number of local Acts that control this matter? As the Weights and Measures Bill is now repealing 148 local Acts in order to get uniformity there, should not the Government take their courage in both hands and try to get uniformity in outdoor advertising?

Sir K. Joseph

But there are many more than 140 local Acts concerned with outdoor advertising. There is no evidence that dual control is interfering seriously, but if my hon. Friend has any evidence that it is, perhaps he will let me know.

25. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is satisfied that the voluntary code on outdoor advertising on business premises by means of fascia boards is working satisfactorily; and what steps he is taking to prevent clutter on business premises.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend is still hopeful that, given reasonable time, clutter will be prevented by voluntary effort, aided by the code of standards and backed where necessary by local authorities using their present statutory powers.

Dr. Stross

The situation to date is not satisfactory. Does the hon. Gentleman realise that hon. Members who take an interest in the subject have received information from planning officers who are in despair at what is going on now, particularly action by a few firms, including the Imperial Tobacco Company, which tend to remove several small signs and replace them with one large and quite discordant sign, the result at worst being that his right hon. Friend's regulations have not only been breached in the spirit but are being flouted most blatantly?

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Gentleman will have seen the Press release by the consultative committee of the advertising industry which followed representations from my right hon. Friend. I think we must give time for that to take effect.