asked the Minister for Finance for the most recent year for which figures are available (a) the amount of money paid by the different Government Departments for advertising in provincial papers and (b) the circulation of these papers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Advertising in Provincial Newspapers.
9.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question on the 3rd March, 1959, in columns 357-358 of the Official Report. As I indicated in that reply, the preparation of returns of this nature entails a special investigation involving a substantial expenditure of time and labour and an addition to administrative costs which, in my opinion, would not be justifiable.
Do I understand the Minister to state that he has revoked the direction I gave that before Government advertisements are given to newspapers, they must state their circulation?
No; I have not said that. That is still acted on.
Is the Minister aware that this question has been repeatedly asked in the course of the past 25 years and has always been answered?
I am afraid not.
Such a direction has operated to keep some check on the subsidisation of complacent newspapers, to put the matter bluntly. A question was asked many times during our administration and was always answered. I think it is a useful parliamentary check.
I am not against the giving of these figures, except for the trouble of compiling them. I would add, however, that the circulation figures are given only in confidence.
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Larkin asked a similar question two years ago and a list was given of all the newspapers in Ireland and their circulation. I have not the reference with me, but I shall give it to the Minister after Question Time.
I shall look into the matter again.
I think the Minister will find that the circulation figures are not given in confidence.