§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the President of the Board of Trade what recent increases there have been in the prices charged for newspapers; what were the percentage increases over the prices previously charged; what evidence was put before him in justification for the timing of these increases and what reply he sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DarlingI assume my hon. Friend is referring to national newspapers. TheDaily Mirror'sprice was increased from 4d. to 5d. on 31st January, 1968, andThe Guardian'sfrom 5d. to 6d. on 24th January, 1968. As regards theDaily Mirror,I would refer to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 7th February.The Guardiannotified me under the "early warning" arrangement of their proposed increase and, after considering their case, I informed them I would not wish to raise objection. The information submitted in support of the case is confidential.—[Vol. 758, c. 134.]