§ 42. Mr. Tinkerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain newspapers have increased the price by 50 per cent.; and whether his Department are consulted before such increases are made?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir," and to the second part "No, Sir."
§ Mr. TinkerIs there any intention of questioning this method of dealing with newspaper prices? Are they allowed to go as far as they wish in the matter of putting up prices?
§ Captain WaterhouseI do not think there is any immediate need to take action. The hon. Member will realise that it is difficult to raise the price of a penny newspaper by less than 50 per cent.
§ Sir H. WilliamsHas not the "Daily Herald" reduced its size by two-thirds?
§ 52. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Supply whether he will give the amount, in tons, of paper used in newsprint on average per week for the last six months, as compared to the amount used for a similar period before the war; and what reduction there has been in the number of newspapers?
§ The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)The average weekly consumption of newsprint by newspapers during the six months ended nth May, 1941,was 6,230 tons. The corresponding figure for the six months ended 1st July, 1939, was 21,326 tons. These figures cover about 1,500 newspapers. The total number of newspapers has remained practically unchanged since war began.
§ Mr. A. C. ReedCan the right hon. Gentleman say what amount was imported?
§ Sir A. DuncanI should require notice of that question.