HC Deb 15 March 1967 vol 743 c476

23. Mr. Whitaker asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek legislation to require all publications to publish in them details of their management, ownership and editors.

Mr. Jay

No, Sir. The new Companies Bill will provide for the publication of more extensive information about the ownership and control of companies, including those issuing publications.

Mr. Whitaker

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the United States successfully enacted such a Measure on 23rd October, 1962, to the benefit of both Press freedom and impartiality?

Mr. Jay

We do not necessarily have to follow everything done in the United States, but the new Companies Bill will cover a great deal of the ground which is, I think, enough to go on with.