HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 c370
2. Gwilym Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to assist the balance of payments by introducing legislation to prevent the advertising on television and in the Press of imported consumer goods.

Mr. Darling

No, Sir. Such a ban would be arbitrary in effect, undesirable in principle and contrary to our international obligations.

Mr. Roberts

In spite of that devastating reply, would my right hon. Friend not agree that it is farcical that there should be an 8 per cent. annual increase in expenditure on television advertising while the Government are, in theory, supposed to be trying to curb consumer demand? What steps do the Government intend to take to try to cut down this advertising?

Mr. Darling

That is another question, and one which I think is well worth considering.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Are the Government trying to curb consumer demand?

Mr. Darling

I think that we have that intention in mind.

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