HC Deb 28 February 1917 vol 90 cc2050-1W
Mr. HASLAM

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of taking such steps as may be necessary to raise the prices of newspapers compulsorily in order to diminish the consumption of paper and to render fairer the competition between proprietors than is the case where such increases in price are voluntary?

Mr. G. ROBERTS

The consumption of paper is being restricted within the limits decided upon by means of the restriction of imports of paper and paper-making materials. I do not think it is desirable that compulsion should be exercised in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.