HC Deb 04 March 1946 vol 420 c4
10. Mr. G. Wallace

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if, in view of the unique part played by local newspapers in the life of the community, he will allow an increase in newsprint to such news papers in order that desirable publicity may be given to local social and public activities now being resumed in increasing measure.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret that it is not at present possible on currency and supply grounds to provide paper for increasing the size of either local or national newspapers, but the position will be reviewed as soon as conditions permit.

Mr. Wallace

In view of the fact that leisure will play an increasingly important part in future, in relation to production, and local newspapers will also play an important part, will my right hon. and learned Friend give the matter further consideration?

Sir S. Cripps

We have all the facts at our disposal. The matter will be reconsidered, as has already been stated, in April.

Mr. Follick

In view of the vociferous announcements made by sections of the national Press week after week, month after month, and year after year about their tremendous increases in circulation, could my right hon. and learned Friend give any surplus newsprint there might be to the small local and county newspapers, who have done a very patriotic job throughout the war, who have been very hard hit, and who have had great trouble, not in increasing their circulations, but in retaining them?

Sir S. Cripps

We shall certainly consider the claims of local newspapers when more newsprint is available.