HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 c682
28. Mr. Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether newspapers, periodicals and magazines are included in the commodities and industries to be dealt with by the proposals for the telescoping and/or concentration of industry and labour?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lyttelton)

No, Sir.

Mr. Lyons

Will the same representations on which this decision has been reached be open to the many small traders who, by virtue of my right hon. Friend's scheme, will be put out of business altogether?

Mr. Lyttelton

This case is a special one. The Government do not wish to limit the free expression of opinion.

Mr. Lyons

While I am delighted to hear that, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend appreciates that my Question deals particularly with magazines and periodicals, many of which are really unnecessary?

Sir H. Williams

Now that 90 per cent. of the news published is alike, would it not be possible to have only one newspaper?