6. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the allocation of newsprint to the L.D.P. in Berlin is so small in comparison with that at the disposal of newspapers supporting the S.D.P.
§ Mr. MayhewWhen Soviet pressure forced the L.D.P. and C.D.U. to confine their activities to the Western sectors, they were granted newspaper licences by the British authorities. It was impossible to give them an adequate supply of newsprint, as most of that available had already been allocated. Our plans to increase their supply have since been hampered by the blockade. Nevertheless, the L.D.P. allocation was recently raised by one-third and will be further increased as soon as the position permits.
Mr. VaneCan the hon. Gentleman confirm that this allocation is in no sense based on paid-up party membership?
§ Mr. MayhewI can confirm that and it is lower than we should wish.