Mr. Hakeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the introduction of sale or return conditions in relation to new periodicals; and if, in view of the continuing need for economy in the use of paper, he will take action to stop this practice.
Mr. H. WilsonI think that a clear distinction can be drawn between allowing sale or return terms for a short period, such as four weeks, in order to launch a new publication and any general resumption of sale or return by either newspapers or periodicals, which in the present paper situation we clearly cannot afford. I would not be prepared to see a general reversion to a sale or return system and if a circulation campaign of that kind were to break out, accompanied by free gifts and other inducements, I should have to consider what action could be taken by order to end such a state of affairs. I hope, however, that we can rely upon the good sense and restraint of the trade associations and periodicals concerned.