§ Q11. Mr. D. Footasked the Prime Minister what study he has made of the copy sent to him of a resolution passed by the National Executive Council of the National Union of Journalists expressing concern over the contraction of the Press involved in the recent closure of five English and Scottish newspapers, and the imminent closure of a sixth; what reply he has sent; and whether Her Majesty's Government will introduce legislation to set up a Press Amalgamations Court on the lines proposed by the Shawcross Commission on the Press.
§ The Prime MinisterI share the concern expressed by the National Union of Journalists with regard to the closure of certain newspapers. The Government are considering the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Press that a Press Amalgamations Court should be established. It presents serious difficulties. I am replying in this sense to the letter I have received from the Union.