HC Deb 01 February 1966 vol 723 cc868-9
16. Mr. Dance

asked the Minister of Power how much has been spent by the gas industry on advertising in the course of the last convenient 12-month period.

Mr. Frederick Lee

In the 12 months ended 30th September, 1965, expenditure on promotional advertising in the Press, on television and by posters amounted to £2,588,000. Expenditure by appliance manufacturers is excluded.

Mr. Dance

Does not the Minister agree that this is one of the worst confidence tricks ever played on the public; that large sums of public money are being spent to encourage people to buy appliances which use a commodity which, when they want it, virtually does not exist? Does he not think that this "phoney" piece of advertising should be referred to one of the numerous Government bodies which have been set up?

Mr. Lee

The hon. Gentleman is grossly exaggerating the position. The House knows that 11 out of 12 boards did not fail to deliver that which they advertised. Indeed, if private enterprise had the same record as the gas industry in this respect it would be better off than it now is.

26. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Power whether he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Gas Council to suspend advertising, both national and local, for a further period beyond 1st March.

Mr. Frederick Lee

No, Sir. But the question of advertising is one that I intend to keep under review.

Mr. Digby

Is it not now self-evident that the ban on advertising was imposed too late, and will the right hon. Gentleman be on his guard against lifting it too soon?

Mr. Lee

This was not the criticism I received when I put on the ban. There was criticism of interference with the rights of other people. As a matter of fact, I merely suggested that it would be a good thing to do it, and I think that it has been rather good. I will discuss with the appropriate chairmen —[Interruption.]—I will discuss with the appropriate industries what the future may be. At this stage I cannot anticipate the action to be taken.

Mr. Speaker

It is discourteous, and against the rules of the House, for Members to walk between a Minister and a questioner.