HL Deb 02 April 1980 vol 407 cc1345-6

2.56 p.m.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that the London Passenger Transport Board are now advertising, on the full length of a double decker bus, "Aeroflot welcome to Moscow".

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for the information. But I must point out that Her Majesty's Government have no direct responsibility for London Transport or its advertising. By statute, the Greater London Council has overall control.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer, which is rather what I expected. Would he not agree, however, that in view of the situation with Russia and Afghanistan, the advertising department of the London Passenger Transport Board might be informed by Her Majesty's Government that this is in complete contravention of the Government's policy towards Russia at the moment?

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

I would accept what my noble friend says, my Lords; the Government regret the appearance of these advertisements. I think I can say that the leader of the GLC has already made clear his acceptance of the Government's view about not supporting our going to Moscow for the Olympic Games, and in due course he may—or he may already have done so—make his views known to the London Transport Executive.

Lord HALE

My Lords, would that not be political censorship of the worst possible kind? Have the Government ever—I acquit them of this in advance—suggested that they wished to put an embargo on the publication of advertisements of existing and reputable services in respect of any country in the world with whom at the moment they have a quarrel or disagreement? After all, there are some conflicts going on which the noble Lord, Lord Carrington, handled with his usual and customary good sense and grace. Is it to go out from this House that the Government want people to consider, on political grounds, what advertisements to accept or not? If so, perhaps the noble Lord would have a conference with some of the leading British newspapers.

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, I have the greatest regard for the noble Lord, Lord Hale, and I would hesitate to say that the Government's views on any matter should ever be dictated to the country. We have views; other people have views. The noble Lord may want all noble Lords to go to Oldham for their holidays. Other noble Lords may want to go to Moscow, others to Paris. We are merely indicating our wishes.

Lord FERRIER

My Lords, is the Minister aware of the large measure of amazement with which this advertisement has been greeted by many members of the public; and will he ask London Transport to get their advertisers to get the grammar right?

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, I will make my noble friend's views known.