HC Deb 21 June 1944 vol 401 c191
54. Mr. Neil Maclean

asked the Minister of Supply the terms of agreement made between the Circulation Managers' Committee of the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society and the retail newsagents in Glasgow regarding the handling of newspapers on all Scottish public holidays.

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

This is not a matter in which I have any responsibility, but I understand it was agreed that the newsagents in question should distribute on public holidays newspapers ordered through them.

Mr. Maclean

Is it not the case that this committee insisted that certain newsagents in the Glasgow area who close on Scottish statutory holidays, must remain open to take in the papers; that the only holidays they permitted were Christmas Day and Good Friday; and will he see to it that no newspaper is going to lay down terms upon a body such as the newsagents and insist upon them taking papers when the whole of the town is probably on holiday?

Sir A. Duncan

No, Sir, I have no responsibility in the matter.

Mr. Maclean

Then who is responsible? May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has not the responsibility for the issue of newsprint to newspapers, and in that case could he not withdraw supplies from newspapers if they act in this dictatorial manner?

Sir A. Duncan

This is entirely a local question between the newsagents and the newspaper proprietors in this area. We have responsibility, of course, for the issue of newsprint, but no responsibility at all so far down the line as this. If the hon. Member will discuss with me the point he has in mind, I may be able to guide him as to who is responsible.