asked the President of the Board of Trade what reduction of paper consumption has been achieved by the recent decision to reduce the amount allowed to weekly provincial newspapers in comparison with daily newspapers; when he anticipates that it will be possible to make good this reduction; and whether, in the meantime, he will request the appropriate authorities to examine and report upon the possibility of easing the position for those weekly newspapers which cannot effectively continue their work on the present basis.

The new basis of rationing for newspapers which was introduced in March was designed to allow the weekly newspapers (other than Sundays) the same consumption of newsprint as they were given prior to the reduction made at the time of the fuel crisis. I regret that the present supply position does not permit any increase in the amount of paper which these weekly newspapers can be allowed to consume.