HC Deb 19 July 1966 vol 732 cc372-3
48. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to control Press advertising by local authorities.

56. Mr. E. Rowlands

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, with a view to limiting the expenditure of local authorities on Press advertising, he will introduce legislation to curb Press advertisements relating to intended projects.

47. Mr. Abse

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation enabling him to control the expenditure of local authorities on Press advertising in respect of new projects.

Mr. Crossman

Local authorities have varied powers and duties to advertise new and intended projects which are contained both in general and local legislation. If an hon. Member knows of any particular abuse perhaps he would let me have details.

Mr. Hughes

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that thousands of £s are being spent on advertising the Portbury scheme at a time when the scheme awaits the final decision of the Minister of Transport?

Mr. Crossman

I am aware of that fact. I suggest to my hon. Friend that if Newport had run an advertising campaign relating to a similar problem he would have given it his warm support.