§ Ql. Mr. Cryerasked the Prime Minister if he will consider including representatives from the Co-operative Movement and the Shop Stewards Committee of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders on the proposed Royal Commission on the Press so that alternative methods of ownership can be investigated.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)I have taken note of my hon.) Friend's suggestion. The membership of the Royal Commission has not yet been settled but I hope to make an announcement as early as possible after Parliament resumes.
§ Mr. CryerDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that at present the Press is owned by a tightly-knit group of politically motivated men and that both journalists and printers have the right to participate in ownership and control of newspapers in cases where capitalist owners have failed to keep them going? Should not the Royal Commission take this matter into account?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not agree 100 per cent. with what was contained 'in the beginning of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, but I cannot think that there was anything in it that cannot be dealt with by the Royal Commission.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorWill the Prime 1 Minister now indicate whether the Government intend to take any initiative or action on the position of Beaverbrook I Newspapers in Scotland?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. 'Gentleman, who has expressed great concern about this matter, will know that it I was not possible to avert the closure, for reasons which were explained to the House when this matter was discussed in the debate on the Press last week. The hon. Gentleman will also know that there has been a feasibility study on proposals for having a continuing newspaper in r Scotland, and I gather that those concerned are still examining the implications. As my right hon. Friend said in I the debate on the Press, we are prepared to discuss with those concerned any help which we can give.