Mr. J. Duģdaleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the request from the French Government for assistance in meeting the shortage of newsprint in France, which is so acute that many French newspapers may have to suspend publication unless additional supplies are quickly forthcoming; and what steps he is taking to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. I am glad to say that in response to urgent appeals from the French Government the British newspapers have, at the request of His 249W Majesty's Government, agreed to make 2,000 tons of newsprint available for immediate shipment to France out of the limited supplies at their disposal. This addition to the stocks already available should suffice to cover essential French needs, pending the arrival of consignments which the French have under procurement in North America.