HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc315-7W
77. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state the order under which publication of weekly periodicals is prohibited.

Mr. Shinwell

The suspension of publication of weekly newspapers is not the subject of any statutory order. It was secured by an instruction issued after consultation with bodies representing major interests in the newspaper and periodical Press.

84. Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reason and authority for his decision to forbid both the publication of periodicals in the production of which no electricity is used and the issue of those printed before the electricity cuts were made; and if he will withdraw this ban immediately.

Mr. Shinwell

The instruction in question, which was not a statutory prohibition, was drawn up after consultation with certain representative bodies in the trade. It included periodicals in which no electricity is used so that there might be no discrimination between competing periodicals of the same class but using different kinds of power. For the same reason it extended to the issue al periodicals printed or partly printed before: 15th February, when the instruction took effect. The instruction was withdrawn on the 21st February so as to permit resumption of publication next week.

93. Mr. Raikes

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power upon what authority and in what form, he secured the suspension of publication of all weekly papers for 14 days.

Mr. Shinwell

A general instruction, but no statutory prohibition, was issued after consultation with certain representative trade organisations. This instruction was strictly observed by a very great majority of those concerned in a commendable spirit of co-operation. The suspension did not apply to all weekly papers. Those concerned with the publication of current general news in particular localities were continued without interruption.

95. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power approximately how many tons of coal will have been saved by the suspension for two weeks of weekly periodicals.

Mr. Shinwell

It is not possible to give a figure.