BRITISH PRESS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 268, 24 August 1946, Page 5

BRITISH PRESS

LARGER ALLOCATION OF NEWSPRINT

YEARS BEFORE PRE-WAR SIZE IS ATTAINED (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.; LONDON, August 23. The Government’s decision to provide an increased paper ration is welcomed in Fleet Street, though, as the “News-Chronicle” points out, Hie newspapers will still be far from adequate and the' rapture therefore is modified.

Both the “Daily Express” and the “News-Chronicle” announce that they will publish three six-page newspapers a week, and three four-page papers. Extra copies and large editions, which will he on sale us from September 23, will be supplied only on regular orders. It is emphasised that, no supplies of newspapers will be issued on a .sale and return basis. The release of additional newsprint, it is officially stated, has been made possible by the purchase in Canada and Newfoundland of increased quantities for importation in 1947. Increased consumption this autumn will be met out of stock. Whether the restriction on sales will be removed permanently depends on how much extra newsprint is consumed. After a period the position will Joe reviewed, and consideration will also be given to the provision of further pages. In any event it will probably he several years before anything approaching the pre-war size is possible. Hope is held out that a further increase in size may be possible next' year. The “Financial Times” remarks that the increases are probably less than either the public or the press would like, but it is a start. At long last every man can obtain the paper he wants, and the press can give more adequate space to reports and comments on events which are shaping our destiny for years to come. It adds that no one, whatever his political shade, has questioned the need for larger newspapers. The journal notes that the current increase raises certain problems. Larger papers will automatically mean higher costs. It is at the moment impossible to determine by what amount or percentage the costs of individual newspapers will rise.