§ 1. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the President of the Board of Trade why the price of newsprint imported to this country from Scandinavia has been fixed at £41 10s. a ton, when United States importers are only paying £28 for it.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)The price at which Scandinavian newsprint is bought in this country is a matter for the purchasers to negotiate. United Kingdom imports are effected by the Newsprint Supply Company, which is an organisation set up by the newspaper proprietors themselves, and I understand that they have agreed to pay for Scandinavian newsprint in the first half of 1949 the prices ruling in the United Kingdom.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIs newsprint imported by private enterprise or under bulk purchase?
§ Mr. WilsonNewsprint is imported by the Newsprint Supply Company which is an associate of the Newspaper Proprietors Association, which, I am sure, the hon. Gentleman would regard as private enterprise.