asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state what is the amount of money expended by or on behalf of his Department over a 12-month period to the latest available date in notifying to the public through the medium of the newspapers changes in prices where such prices are effected by Emergency Powers Orders, or any other matters in any way affected by Emergency Powers Orders or Statutory Rules and Orders of any description; how much of the said money has been paid to local newspapers circulating in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and how much of the said money has been spent on such notification through the medium of the Kilkenny People.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Newspaper Advertising.
The Department of Supplies has, in the year ended the 31st August, 1942, paid £15,151 in respect of newspaper advertising in relation to matters affected by Emergency Powers Orders. The amount paid to local newspapers circulating mainly in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny was £430. No advertising was placed by the Department with the Kilkenny People during that period.
Will the Minister state why no advertising was placed with the Kilkenny People when advertising was placed with other local newspapers circulating in the area?
It is not the practice of the Department of Supplies to advertise in all local newspapers. When there is more than one newspaper circulating in an area, the paper which has the largest circulation and which is otherwise regarded as the best medium is chosen.
Would it be correct to say that the reason the Government did not advertise in the Kilkenny People was because they could not purchase the Kilkenny People which insisted on honest criticism of the Government and all its works and pomps?
The obvious deduction from what the Deputy has stated is that all the papers which were given advertisements were purchased.
Is it a fact that the Kilkenny People has the biggest circulation in the city and county of Kilkenny?
I do not think so.
Will the Government make inquiries?
Was it because the Government could not frighten the Kilkenny People?
Or because the Kilkenny People could not frighten the Government.