§ 51. Mr. N. Macleanasked the Minister of Supply whether he has examined a pictorial publication, named "Rising Tide," issued by the Oxford Group, a copy of which has been given him by the hon. Member for Govan; whether, as it weighs 10 ounces and is printed on thick paper, he authorised the release of paper for this publication, which has no bearing on the war effort; and why the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited, Glasgow, was refused paper to print a symposium for the London Scottish Self-Government League, written by experts and dealing with planning for Scotland?
§ Sir A. DuncanI understand that "Rising Tide" was last reprinted in May, 1939, from stocks of paper acquired in 1937. With regard to the third part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Maryhill (Mr. Davidson) on 29th April.
§ Mr. MacleanIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that "Rising Tide" is still being circulated?
§ Sir A. DuncanIt may be circulated, but the printing of it is as I have described.
§ 52. Sir P. Hurdasked the Minister of Supply how many foreign newspapers and periodicals are now published in this country; to what nationalities they belong; and whether, in view of the shortage of paper for British publications, he will arrange that paper for only one publication be allotted to each nationality?
§ Sir A. DuncanSixty-three, covering 14 nationalities. They include daily, weekly or monthly journals of various types, with subject matter that could not suitably be incorporated in one publication for each nationality.
§ Sir P. HurdIs it not possible to reduce this number, seeing how other papers are being inconvenienced for want of newsprint?
§ Sir A. DuncanWe are examining the subject in association with the Minister of Information.