§ Mr. Thorneasked the Lord President of the Council why Government advertising in national daily newspapers excludes theMorning Star.
§ Mr. William PriceI am in correspondence with the Editor of theMorning Star on this subject. The paper has been unable to provide independently-audited evidence of circulation or distribution until recently: this will be studied, and I am particularly seeking more information about overseas sales. This information is necessary in forming a judgment on the cost-effectiveness of advertising in this paper for any particular campaign addressed to a national audience.
My hon. Friend will be aware that theMorning Star carried advertisements in the recent counter-inflation publicity campaign though it was emphasised by Ministers at that time that this was a unique campaign in which they were prepared to waive the normal criteria of cost-effectiveness which governs all Government advertising.