HC Deb 08 December 1966 vol 737 cc1562-3
32. Mr. Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his meeting with the deputation received from the Advertising Association on 3rd November; and what legislation he proposes to introduce arising from these discussions.

51. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on his meeting with representatives of the Advertising Association on 3rd November on the subject on advertising ethics.

Mr. Jay

We had a useful discussion of various matters of interest to the advertising industry, including the proposed new legislation to prohibit false or misleading advertisements of goods and services. I have no other plans for legislation in this field.

Mr. Milne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a complete examination of this industry is urgently required? Will he examine the claims made by that deputation that increased advertising expenditure leads to a reduction in prices, as this is simply not the case? Will he examine the matter much more closely?

Mr. Jay

We do not necessarily accept those claims, but the first thing is to introduce the legislation of which I spoke.

Mr. Lewis

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the advertising business has gone a long way towards improving its own standards in this respect? Will he accept that it will be no advantage to have legislation here?

Mr. Jay

The advertising industry has certainly done something, but we believe that there is need for legislation on the lines that hon. Gentlemen opposite were urging on me earlier this afternoon.