Advertising Agencies

HC Deb 24 June 1963 vol 679 cc915-6

2. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister without Portfolio how many advertising firms he uses in the information services; and how they are chosen.

3. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister without Portfolio how he selects advertising firms for use by British Information Services; how he invites applications; what advice, evidence and assistance he has available in deciding between the applicants; and on how many occasions he has taken decisions in these matters.

1. Mr. Ross

asked the Minister without Portfolio if he will state the criteria used in the selection of advertising firms for use by the information services.

The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. W. F. Deedes)

Advertising agencies are selected by the Central Office of Information on the advice of an independent Committee, which recommends an agency for each Government campaign. Engagements are on an annual basis. At present there are 20 agencies in contract with the Central Office of Information as well as six with the National Savings Committee.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these are in Scotland, and, additionally, can he give me an assurance that the presentation of the facts will be more honest than recent Government propaganda in relation to the provision of university places, for there was a distortion of at least 800 per cent.?

Mr. Deedes

To answer the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question first, the hon. Gentleman is aware that the exercise which Benson's have been asked to undertake is to increase Scottish advertising of its own resources, and improve them, we hope. Second, there is at least one Scottish agency on the list, which is used whenever it is appropriate for it to be employed.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that this presents a very useful way whereby trade, industry, commerce and employment can be assisted in areas which really need them, and can he say what constructive steps he takes to assist such areas—such as, for instance, Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland?

Mr. Deedes

I do not think this arises on the appointment of the firm, but the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that the object of appointing this firm to advise professionally is that we may be able to assist Scotland and other areas to advertise the resources they have to offer more widely here and overseas.