§ 26. Mr. Kitsonasked the Postmaster-General what was the cost of the Post Office advertisement in theSunday Times Magazine for 14th July; and for what purpose it was intended.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo Post Office advertisement appeared in theSunday Times Magazine for 14th July. Perhaps the hon. Member has in mind the advertisement which appeared in theObserver on that day: the cost was £1,887.
§ Mr. KitsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the advertisement has been run in a number of Sunday magazines, that it does not advertise any of the services of the Post Office or any of its activities, except to say that the Post Office exists? As most people recognise that the Post Office exists, very few people can understand what useful purpose this advertising serves.
§ Mr. StonehouseAs with other large organisations, it is to the benefit of the Post Office to promote its very good image, and it is very good for staff morale to see this advertisement appearing. Considering the amount of money involved, it is very good value.
§ Mr. LeadbitterIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is accepted on both sides of the House that the performance of the staff is outstanding, a view which is shared by the public, but that the public cannot understand the need for this excessive expenditure on advertisements in the national Press of services which the Post 956 Office staffs advertise better than any advertisement?
§ Mr. StonehouseAs the Post Office has a turnover of £800 million a year, this is a very small amount to spend on promoting the image which we project. I think that generally the staff is very pleased to have this opportunity of promoting itself to the public.