§ 26. Mr. HOGGEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Messrs. John Menzies and Company, Limited, Edinburgh, are the only agents in Edinburgh who have a newspaper permit and that they are charging a fee on each newspaper sent to them by other newsagents of 1d. for forwarding; and whether this has the sanction of the War Office?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to the first part of the question is, I believe, in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I understand that the fee stated is charged where the book or paper is not purchased through the firm to cover cost of stationery and extra staff. As regards the last part, War Office sanction is not required and 2662 it is not a matter for their intervention. It is open to other firms to make different arrangements if the amount of their business warrants it and if they think it would be to their advantage.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my hon. Friend aware that the newsagents who do not receive this licence send their newspapers stamped to this firm, who have received a licence, and that on the top of that they are charged a 1d. extra?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat is clearly not in accordance with the information furnished me, and, if my hon. Friend wishes, I will make further inquiry.