HC Deb 29 April 1947 vol 436 c1728
72. Mr. Champion

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will permit weekly newspapers to issue and maintain their papers at the pre-February size by using the stocks they now have in their possession and without drawing additional supplies from the common pool.

Mr. Belcher

No, Sir. In present conditions, I do not think that any further drawing down of stocks would be desirable.

Mr. Champion

Is the Minister aware that the stocks to which I referred are those actually in the possession of newspaper proprietors for this purpose?

Mr. Belcher

I am aware of that fact, but I think it would be unwise to go too fast now and then be faced with a further crisis in two or three months' time.

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