§ 44. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will reconsider his decision in the case 526 of Mr. Head, Editor of the "Congleton Chronicle" newspaper, who wishes to print his paper on a 305 square inch sheet as a tabloid, on the understanding that no more paper is used in so doing, in view of the fact that when Mr. Head placed an order for a new printing press which produces this sized page, there were no restrictions in force as to the size printed.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)It is my practice on such matters to seek the advice of the newspaper proprietors through their own rationing committee. I understand that they might be prepared to advise me that the "Congleton Chronicle" should have a page size of 305 sq. ins., but in this event it would necessarily cease to be a tabloid or small newspaper, the maximum size of which is limited to 250 sq. ins., and the maximum number of pages which the newspaper could print would therefore be reduced to that which is appropriate to large newspapers.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyAs the matter has been under discussion for some time, will the Ministry try to reach an early decision? Is he aware that the only other similar case in this country is at Mansfield, that he will not be setting a precedent and that no additional paper will be required?
§ Mr. WilsonI will endeavour to bring it to a quick conclusion, but this matter has to be considered and gone into by the newspaper proprietors advisory committee.