§ Q13. Mr. Moonmanasked the Prime Minister if he will move to appoint an all-party parliamentary committee to examine the problems of the newspaper industry, with particular reference to further reduction in the number of daily and Sunday newspapers.
§ The Prime MinisterThe problems of the industry are well known, and I doubt whether the appointment of a further committee would serve any useful purpose at this time. I will, however, bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.
§ Q15. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister what plans have now been formulated to prevent the disappearance of more of the daily or weekly newspapers.
§ The Prime MinisterAs my right hon. Friend the President and I have said on several occasions, action is in the first instance a matter for the industry itself. If, however, the industry had any proposition to put to the Government, we should of course be happy to consider it.