HC Deb 08 March 1966 vol 725 c1892
30. Mr. Brian Harrison

asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the gas and electricity boards to limit the advertising of imported foods in their showrooms.

Mr. Frederick Lee

A general direction would not be appropriate on a matter of this kind.

Mr. Harrison

But does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it does a tremendous lot of harm to these industries and their good relations with the public when Danish bacon and such like things are advertised in farming districts?

Mr. Lee

The boards make similar arrangements to these with many other advertisers from time to time. This is entirely their business.

Mr. Peyton

While I agree with the Minister that, in general, it is undesirable for Ministers to interfere in matters of advertising policy, may I ask him whether he thinks that on this occasion the Midlands Board has gone much too far and way beyond what is discreet and reasonable in publicising an imported product? This does not come well from a nationalised industry.

Mr. Lee

This was not one of the types of advertising which came under the ban. This is purely in showrooms. I do not know that I can discriminate at this stage in relation to any particular type of advertisement, but I will certainly consider the matter.