§ Lieutenant-Colonel M'LEANasked the President of the Board of Trade why newspapers and periodicals are permitted to issue contents bills which are designed to attract buyers of papers, when newsagents are forbidden to return unsold copies, thus discouraging sales and hampering the newsagent's business?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Order prohibiting the issue of contents bills was withdrawn in the month of December last. It was known as the Paper Restrictions (Posters and Circulars) Order, and contained a, number of restrictions which it was desirable to withdraw at that time, as well as the prohibition of contents bills. The question of the No Returns Order is under consideration.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the President of the Board of Trade why the Paper Controller declines to rescind the No Returns Order, having regard to the larger supplies of paper and the removal of other restrictions; and whether he is aware that the continuance of the No Returns Order causes great hardship to the newsagent?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend is considering the question of the No Returns Order, but is not at present able to state when the Order will be rescinded. I have been made aware of the attitude of the retail newsagents, and also of the newspaper proprietors towards this Order.