§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent communication he has had with or from the Newspaper Society or other publishers regarding the shortage of newsprint following 380W the closure of Messrs. Peter Dixon of Grimsby; what information he has about the consumption, stock levels and forward requirements of the newspaper industry; if he is satisfied about the industry's short-and long-term prospects with regard to newsprint supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI have received no recent communication. The United Kingdom Users Committee, on which all users are represented, is watching the situation closely and makes estimates of future requirements. Statistics of consumption and stocks are given in the monthly Business Monitor published by my Department for paper and paper-making materials. The United Kingdom newspaper industry has, of course, to take account of the fact that the world consumption of newsprint is currently very high.