HC Deb 21 February 1961 vol 635 cc309-10
42. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what person with knowledge of newspapers in Scotland he has asked to be a member of the Royal Commission on the Press.

44. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to announce the names of the Royal Commission on the Press.

45. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Prime Minister if he will now announce the names of the members of the proposed Royal Commission on the Press.

50. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister how many people have been invited to serve on the Royal Commission on the Press.

The Prime Minister

I am not yet able to announce the names of the members of the Commission.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that, particularly in Scotland, journalists and printers are very anxious about their future? Will he bear that in mind when he appoints the Scottish member of the Commission, and will he take full account of the further fact that the monopoly tendency in Scotland has become so great that it has swallowed up not only daily and evening papers but local weekly papers as well?

The Prime Minister

I shall bear all that in mind.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the Prime Minister aware of Laurence Scott's dictum that nine-tenths of newspaper publishing is light engineering, and, in instituting this inquiry into the practicalities of newspaper publishing, will he appoint someone who knows something about that side of newspaper production?

The Prime Minister

I am grateful for that suggestion.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not obvious that there will be no opportunity for either Government action or Parliamentary discussion, apart from a few selected Members of Parliament on the radio and television, on the problems involved, and that in the circumstances the employees adversely affected will to some extent be justified if they are forced to contemplate industrial action to protect their interests in the meantime?

The Prime Minister

That is another question quite separate from the purpose of the Commission.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the trouble due to the fact that the Prime Minister cannot find anyone to go on the Commission?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. The trouble is that I am trying to get the very best people to go on it.