COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENT OF BRITISH COMPANIES (Distribution by Information Services)

Mr Lee Kuan Yew asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that commercial advertisement of British companies has been distributed by the Information Services and to state on whose authority such distribution was made.

Mr Goode: Sir, think the hon. Member is probably referring to magazines and industrials reviews which are published by large corporations and federations of industries in the United Kingdom. These publications do not offer goods for sale but they convey information about technological developments, industrial organisations, trade unions, staff activities and other matters of general interest. They are well produced and abundantly illustrated with excellent photographs from many parts of the world and are very informative. They are distributed to public reading rooms, community centres and schools where, I am advised, they are very much appreciated. The distribution is the responsibility of the Director of Information Services under my general authority.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Is the Hon. the Chief Secretary aware of the purpose of these large industrial concerns in putting forward these beautifully illustrated magazines containing a lot of useful information for their prospective buyers?

Mr Goode: Yes, Sir, I am perfectly aware of the purpose.

Mr R. Jumabhoy: Sir, is it not the duty of the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner to perform this duty instead of this Government?

Mr Goode: Sir, I am not in a position to answer for the duties of the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner.

Mr R. Jumabhoy: Do the Information Services give the same information to other Commonwealth countries?

Mr Goode: Yes, Sir, if they wish it.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: Is it proposed to give the same facilities to beautifully illustrated brochures of the German, the Japanese, the Russian, the Chinese enterprises?

Mr Goode: They are not members of the Commonwealth, Sir.