HC Deb 19 June 1940 vol 362 cc167-8
16. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that whilst paper for printing is available for journals issued for and published by British firms in West Africa, native printers and publishers cannot secure supplies; whether he will state the firms controlling the importation of paper into West Africa; and whether, to allay discontent, he will arrange that native printers and publishers should be able to secure a quota of paper?

Mr. George Hall

The position is, as I informed my hon. Friend in reply to his Question on 22nd May, that newspaper proprietors in West Africa have so far been left to make their own arrangements for the supply of newsprint. None of them, so far as I am aware, has asked the Government for assistance in obtaining supplies, but the matter is at present under review: and the suggestion made by my hon. Friend will be considered.

Mr. Sorensen

Can we have a reply at an early date as to whether they can obtain supplies?

Mr. Hall

As is stated in the reply, we have had no complaints from any of the newspaper proprietors that they have been unable to receive supplies. I will certainly inquire on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.