§ 32. Mr. Milneasked 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 Lewisasked 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. JayWe 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. MilneIs my right hon. Friend aware that a complete examination of 1563 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. JayWe do not necessarily accept those claims, but the first thing is to introduce the legislation of which I spoke.
§ Mr. LewisDoes 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. JayThe 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.