§ 15. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he will not introduce legislation to prevents gifts of minimal value, but which are attractive to children, being advertised so as to promote the sales of certain brands of expensive essential goods, such as shoes.
§ Sir J. EdenMatters of this kind are best left to the common sense and judgment of parents.
§ Mr. DavisWhen it comes to items involving considerable expenditure for ordinary families, such as ill-fitting shoes, which might involve hazards to health, does the Minister not consider this to be 1215 advertising and sales propaganda of the most dubious character which should be deplored by the Government instead of being accepted by them?
§ Sir J. EdenNo, Sir. The advertising industry has its own code of practice which is designed to safeguard children against practices which are likely to injure them in any way and to ensure that advertising and advertising gimmicks, are legal, decent, honest and truthful.