HC Deb 21 February 1967 vol 741 cc1412-3
20. Dr. John Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Power whether he is satisfied with the degree of co-operation between the electricity, gas and coal industries in their advertising policies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend discusses this subject from time to time with the chairmen of the three industries together. It is for them to settle reasonable plans in the light of the requirements of their industries and the general economic situation.

Dr. Dunwoody

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is in the interests of both the industry as a whole and consumers that there should be co-operation rather than competition in this sphere? Would he consider suggesting to the industry that in future it should undertake joint advertising campaigns for the whole of the fuel industry rather than for one part as opposed to another?

Mr. Freeson

I believe that, in certain respects, this has been considered from time to time. My hon. Friend will be aware that I am new to the Department. However, I understand that some aspects of the matter have been studied. As for advertising policies which may be in contradiction to each other, if my hon. Friend has any information which he would care to put to the Department, I assure him that we will be glad to look into it.

Mr. Peyton

Would the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that advertising is a subject about which politicians appear to have more prejudice than knowledge? Will he please advise his right hon. Friend to keep out of this sphere and leave the industries to run their own businesses?

Mr. Freeson

Every consumer who is at the receiving end of advertising has a right to express a view on the matter.

Mr. Nott

How can competing fuels co-operate in their advertising? Would not that be a complete contradiction? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the only way to make these industries more efficient is to allow them to compete with one another?

Mr. Freeson

One possible way—I am not suggesting that this way should be adopted—would be the suggested possibility of the industries having certain common services—for example, showrooms—where there might be co-operation in point of sale advertising. I am not saying that this is the right answer, but it is a possibility.