§ 1. Mr. George Wallaceasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the supply of newsprint to local newspapers.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Belcher)May I take this opportunity of apologising for not being here to answer Question No. 89 on the Order Paper last Thursday? My absence was due to circumstances over which I had no control.
The reply to the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. G. Wallace) is: No, Sir. The matter will be kept under review but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. WallaceIs my hon. Friend aware that a promise was given to me a short while ago that the matter would he reviewed again in April?
§ Mr. BelcherIt is being reviewed at the present time.
§ Mr. Charles WilliamsWill the Minister be able to give an answer when we return after the Easter Recess?
§ Mr. BelcherI will give one as soon as possible, but I would not like to tie myself down to a specific date.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the Minister satisfied that the increase which has been given to the national newspapers has reached the local ones, because there have been many complaints?
§ Mr. BelcherI am advised that all newspapers, both local and national, are treated in the same way, and that if anything there is a bias in favour of the local newspapers.