HC Deb 18 February 1954 vol 523 cc2133-4
15. Sir G. Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to allocate sufficient foreign exchange to allow of the import of Canadian newsprint to meet the proper needs of the newspaper industry.

Mr. Maudling

Newsprint supplies are under discussion between my noble Friend the Minister of Materials and representatives of the newspapers. I should not wish to prejudice the decision on any proposals that may be made as a result of these discussions, but the balance of payments situation will not permit any large increase in the immediate future in imports of newsprint from any source.

Mr. J. T. Price

Can the Minister say what are the proper needs of the newspaper industry in view of our experience of the way the extra space was used after the last increase in newsprint?

Mr. Maudling

The proper needs of the industry are determined by the proper requirements of the consumer.