HC Deb 03 December 1947 vol 445 c82W
Mr. Shackleton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached in connection with the proposal to license a new periodical for distribution overseas.

Mr. H. Wilson

The Committee which was set up under Lord Layton's chairmanship has examined the applications received and has now reported. I have considered its report, but taking account of the change in conditions since this proposal was first put forward, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be desirable to license one new periodical while the paper situation would not permit us to license more, and is at the moment deteriorating. Paper is licensed freely for export of existing periodicals and I am, of course, most anxious to establish a general freedom to publish new periodicals for overseas distribution only as soon as the supply position will allow of such a policy.