§ 21. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the withdrawal of the No Returns Order, which is handicapping the sale and distribution of serious literature in many directions?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend is not now in a position to make a 1452 statement with regard to the withdrawal of the No Returns Order, but expects to be in a position to do so at an early date.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these restrictions, are a hindrance to propaganda which, would be very useful to the Government?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend, I think, is aware of all the difficulties surrounding the question.
§ 27. Sir M. BARLOWasked the President of the Board of Trade why, if the newspaper owners have now received 75 per cent, more paper than they were allowed when the No Returns Order was, issued, there is any reason for the continuation of that restriction so far as newsagents are concerned?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend is considering the reasons for and against the continuation of the No Returns Order, and expects to make an announcement at an early date.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWill my hon. Friend expedite the decision on account of the great inconvenience which it causes to the retail newsagents?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should be very glad to do it if I could. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]