Mr. RUNCIMANasked the Prime Minister whether, in considering the arrangements for the equitable distribution of newspaper paper, the Government will consider the suspension of the issue of licences for imported paper and material to any proprietors who own more than three months' stocks until their stocks are reduced to this level?
§ Sir ALBERT STANLEYThe suggestion of my right hon. Friend has been very carefully considered. The Government consider that the time has not yet-come when such action as he recommends is necessary or desirable. I would, however, strongly urge those who are provided924W with stocks of paper to take such voluntary action as will prevent old-established newspapers in a less fortunate position from having to cease publication through want of paper.
§ Major HILLSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present prohibition of posters exceeding in size 20 inches by 30 inches operates unfairly towards businesses making bills of a larger size; whether such discrimination is necessary; and whether the Government could obtain their legitimate object of restricting paper imports by ordering a proportionate reduction in the paper used for bills of all sizes?
Mr. ROBERTSRepresentations with regard to the effect of the Paper Restriction Order on various industries have been received by the Board of Trade, and the whole question is being carefully considered.