§ Mr. DafisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the contribution of local professional newsagents to rural communities; what assessment his Department has made of the effect of a non-negotiable margin decrease on their businesses; and if he will make a statement. [7952]
826W
§ Mr. PageThe Government made clear their commitment to rural communities in "Rural England 1996", Cm 3444. Newspaper retailing is a valued service in all communities. Newsagents margins on the sale of newspapers are a commercial matter for the parties concerned.