§ 36. Mr. Marloweasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the earliest date upon which he expects to be able to increase the supply of newsprint to enable the publication of large newspapers.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsProspective supplies of newsprint have to be balanced against 1310 the demands thereon, including export requirements, and, in the light of present information as to the supply position, it is not possible to say when home consumption by newspapers can be increased.
§ Mr. MarloweIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the continued refusal to increase the supplies of newsprint when considered in conjunction with the unjustifiable and irresponsible attacks which Ministers make upon the Press, leads to the profound suspicion that newspapers are deliberately being kept short of newsprint until after the Election?
§ Mr. EdwardsThat suspicion is completely unfounded.
§ Mr. ScollanIs my hon. Friend aware that the recent increase given to the Press was totally unjustified, in view of the amount of rubbish with which they packed it?
§ Mr. CollinsCan my hon. Friend say whether the production of British newsprint shows a continued increase?
§ Mr. EdwardsYes, Sir.