§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has received any request from newspapers for financial assistance; for what purpose any such financial assistance was requested; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DellAs it has stated in recent contacts with the Press,The Observer has asked for Government assistance, but this request was later withdrawn. The Government treat applications for financial assistance in confidence, and it would not be appropriate for me to give the details.