HC Deb 11 November 1941 vol 374 cc2080-1W
Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that a number of periodicals continue to appear and consume paper in advertising unobtainable commodities; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this waste?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

The consumption of paper by periodicals is limited to about one-fifth of their pre-war consumption, and it is not considered practicable to censor in detail the advertising which this limited quantity of paper allows.

Mr. J. Wilmot

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he has examined the eight-page circular issued by a share-pushing company now resident in Devon, a copy of which has been sent to him; and whether, in view of the shortage of paper for the printing of reputable books and periodicals, he will take steps to prohibit such publications as this?

Mr. H. Macmillan

This is an old-established periodical, which has up to the present been published on a reduced scale by means of its pre-war stock of paper. I should hesitate to undertake a censorship of periodicals; but I am inquiring whether this publication is affected by the prohibition of the free distribution of advertising circulars.

Miss Rathbone

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will devise a scheme, other than through a general restriction on the paper allowed to printing firms, to prevent wastage of paper and print on sale catalogues which have no other object than to stimulate unnecessary consumption or to divert purchasers from one retail establishment to another?

Mr. H. Macmillan

Yes. An Order has now been made prohibiting the free distribution to the public of advertising circulars relating to the sale of goods.