HC Deb 27 April 1970 vol 800 cc863-4
21. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will institute a Departmental inquiry into the errors and omissions in various advertisements relating to the intermediate areas recently published by his Department in national newspapers.

Mr. Varley

This matter has already been investigated.

Mr. Hunt

Since these advertisements contain maps showing parts of the southwest enjoying railway facilities, of which they have long been deprived, and show ing the town of Derby with no rail communications of any kind, should not the £6,640 which these abortive advertisements cost the taxpayer be surcharged on the Ministers responsible for the publication of these expensive fantasies?

Mr. Varley

The hon. Member is slow off the mark, because a number of hon. Members from both sides of the House pursued this Question early in March and answers were given then. It is to be regretted that these advertisements appeared in that way and we of course take responsibility. We have to keep this in perspective. The advertisements were designed to popularise the intermediate areas and the response was most encouraging. We had something like 600 inquiries as a result of them which is quite good.