§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that increases in the price of newspapers are resulting in people on low incomes being unable to afford a daily newspaper, he will ask the Royal Commission on the Press to ascertain whether these increases are necessary; and, if so, what action can be taken to assist the public in purchasing newspapers.
§ The Prime Minister:I am sure that the commission will bear in mind the kind of point my hon. Friend has raised in its consideration in the longer term of the questions of the economics, distribution and freedom of choice of newspapers. As to current price increases, my hon. Friend will be aware that the larger newspaper publishers are obliged to notify the Price Commission and show that the intended increases conform with the Price Code before raising their cover prices.