§ 37 and 38. Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what representative association of newsagents he interviewed before deciding to issue his Order prohibiting the practice of returning unsold newspapers; and whether, as a result of that interview, these representatives agreed with his intention; (2) whether he has considered the representation of the newsagents that his new Order will seriously affect their living and can only be equitably enforced by a readjustment of the terms upon which publishers supply newspapers to the newsagents; whether he is aware that the newsagents have attempted to procure a conference between themselves, the publishers, and the wholesale agents with a view to agreeing to a new arrangement, but that the publishers have refused to attend; and whether, as his action has created the difficulty, he will call such a conference and appoint someone of influence to preside over it and secure an adequate discussion of the points at issue?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)The associations interviewed were the London and Provincial Retail Newsagents' Association and the United Kingdom Federation of Retail Newsagents. Their views were discussed at length and the reasons for the proposed Order were explained to them, but I do not think that they favoured the issue of the Order. Representations of the newsagents as to the probable effect of the Order have been and will continue to be carefully considered, but I doubt if sufficient time has elapsed to enable any definite conclusion to be reached as to how far their apprehensions are well founded. I am aware that there has been difficulty in arranging for a conference with the publishers, but the Paper Controller does not consider that the action suggested in the last part of the question would have any useful result. He will, however, consider any cases of actual hardship brought to his notice.