§ 40. Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before deciding to issue an Order prohibiting newsagents returning unsold papers, he consulted the newsagents as well as the publishers; and whether, in view of the effect that such an Order would have upon the newsagents' living, he will see that it is accompanied by one fixing prices on such a scale as will not be oppressive to the agents?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the matter appears to be one for settlement between the newspaper proprietors and the retailers, but in cases of alleged hardship which have been brought to the attention of the Paper Controller he is endeavouring to promote a satisfactory settlement.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre we to understand from the first part of the reply that the newsagents were consulted?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe representatives of the newsagents, yes.
§ Mr. RAFFANDid the Paper Controller endeavour to initiate a conference between all the parties interested, and has that broken down?
§ Mr. WARDLEArrangements were undoubtedly made in that direction. I do not know whether they have broken down.