HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc2252-3
10. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will extend to new publications of a trade or technical nature the same concession respecting the printing of extra copies for export circulation only that has been granted to all journals published before 6th August, 1940.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret that the supply position does not enable us to make additional paper available for export copies of all new periodicals. In the few cases in which we have specially licensed new periodicals, the quantity of paper they are authorised to use is calculated to cover export requirements.

Mr. Cooper

If the amount of paper available is so limited as to prevent the President of the Board of Trade giving this concession to these journals, how does he account for the grant of paper made to the "Royal Ordnance Factory News "—a new fortnightly paper sponsored by the Government—which is far in excess of the allocation granted to these technical journals?

Sir S. Cripps

The paper to which my hon. Friend refers is in another category. It is a house journal for industry.

Sir W. Smithers

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether, during the printing strike in Paris, some French papers were printed here and flown to Paris?

Sir S. Cripps

Not to my knowledge.

Mr. Cooper

Will the President of the Board of Trade give further consideration to the point where journalists can show that they have a strong case in connection with the export trade?

Sir S. Cripps

This Question relates only to new publications. I have dealt with it, and we cannot deal with it further.