asked the Minister for the Civil Service what was the total cost of Government advertising in the 12 months to the latest available date; how much of that total was placed with American-owned or American-affiliated advertising agencies; and if he will ask the Central Office of Information to place more of the total with British firms in future.

The independent Advisory Committee on the Appointment of Advertising Agencies nominates agencies for Government accounts. In the financial year 1973–74 the total cost of Government advertising was £19,791,000. Approximately 40 per cent. of this total was placed with advertising agencies which are associated with American interests; the remainder with British agencies.