§ 25. Mr. Burdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of Government Departments and nationalised undertakings in placing advertisements in the official publications of the Communist Party.
§ Mr. MacDermotAdvertising for Departments is placed so as to secure the best value for money, without regard to political complexion. Advertising for nationalised industries is a matter for their own commercial judgment.
§ Mr. BurdenWould not the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that it is difficult to assess whether the National Coal Board got the best value out of a full page advertisement in the Morning Star of 28th September, which is the official organ of the Communist Party in this country?
§ Mr. MacDermotAs I pointed out, it is not a matter for the Government how the National Coal Board places its advertisements.