HC Deb 22 February 1917 vol 90 cc1460-1
73. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of paper supplies, the Government has encouraged the starting of new newspapers; and whether it proposes to impose any restrictions in this matter?

Mr. ROBERTS

Generally speaking, the Government deprecate the starting of new newspapers at the present time. The reductions of imports of paper and paper-making materials which are now in force and which will shortly be made more stringent must have the effect of discouraging such enterprises.

Mr. SCOTT

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any member of the Government has been putting capital into new newspapers?

Mr. ROBERTS

I cannot answer that.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can he say whether the Government gives advertisements to newspapers and so encourages the starting of them?