Newsprint

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 December 1949.

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Photo of Mr Anthony Marlowe Mr Anthony Marlowe , Brighton 12:00, 1 December 1949

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the earliest date upon which he expects to be able to increase the supply of newsprint to enable the publication of large newspapers.

Photo of Mr John Edwards Mr John Edwards , Blackburn

Prospective supplies of newsprint have to be balanced against the demands thereon, including export requirements, and, in the light of present information as to the supply position, it is not possible to say when home consumption by newspapers can be increased.

Photo of Mr Anthony Marlowe Mr Anthony Marlowe , Brighton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the continued refusal to increase the supplies of newsprint when considered in conjunction with the unjustifiable and irresponsible attacks which Ministers make upon the Press, leads to the profound suspicion that newspapers are deliberately being kept short of newsprint until after the Election?

Photo of Mr John Edwards Mr John Edwards , Blackburn

That suspicion is completely unfounded.

Photo of Mr Thomas Scollan Mr Thomas Scollan , Renfrewshire Western

Is my hon. Friend aware that the recent increase given to the Press was totally unjustified, in view of the amount of rubbish with which they packed it?

Photo of Mr Victor Collins Mr Victor Collins , Taunton

Can my hon. Friend say whether the production of British newsprint shows a continued increase?