asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that provincial newspapers are in urgent need of newsprint, he will state whether any decision has been come to regarding the discussions between his Department and members of these newspapers.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the recent conference between officials of his Department and representatives of provincial newspapers; and, if not, whether he will arrange to have a decision in the matter expedited in view of the fact that these newspapers are now almost bereft of newsprint.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.

The discussions with interested parties regarding supplies of newsprint for the provincial newspapers have not yet been concluded, but I hope it will soon be possible to reach a solution satisfactory to all interests. Meanwhile, I have received assurances that no provincial paper will be allowed to cease publication by reason only of lack of supplies of newsprint.

Is the Minister aware of the fact that some provincial newspapers are not in receipt even of their quota of newsprint and would he undertake to have the quota supplied to these papers?

Steps are being taken to ensure that no paper will close down for want of newsprint.

Is the Minister aware that the principal complaint of the provincial newspapers is that it appears that newsprint earmarked for their use is finding its way to unauthorised interests?

I am aware that that belief is prevalent, but I am not subscribing to it myself.

Is the Minister aware that the managers of provincial newspapers dread the result of the conference simply because they believe that a monopoly is being created, not by people in the business, but by a man outside the business altogether who controls the import of this newsprint? That is the question at issue, if the Minister would examine it from that viewpoint.

The whole question is being examined.

Is the Minister aware that additional supplies of newsprint will be required next month?