asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is in a position to state if the quantity of newsprint made available to newspapers and periodicals will be increased in the near future; and if not, whether he will indicate the cause of the delay in providing increased supplies of this commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Newsprint.
There is no immediate prospect of any further improvement in supplies of newsprint, and I cannot, therefore, make increased quantities available to newspapers at present. The amount of newsprint used in the production of periodicals other than newspapers is relatively small and I am at present examining the possibility of relaxing the existing controls in so far as they affect periodicals. I hope to be able to make an announcement about this matter shortly.
Every effort has been, and is being, made to obtain supplies but, in view of shortages in the producing countries, it is not possible to say when additional supplies may become available.