NEWSAGENTS

Early day motion 285, tabled 22 July 1997 by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour). Signed by 59 members.

That this House notes the considerable difficulties being faced by newsagents nationally; believes that a combination of higher delivery charges, extra competition from new outlets and a deterioration in supply terms have rendered the Monopolies and Mergers Commission 1993 inquiry into national newspapers no longer relevant; expresses concern over the prospect of losing the newspaper home delivery service if trends continue and newsagents remain shackled by court rulings imposed under restrictive practices legislation; firmly believes early action is needed either by the appointment of a regulator or the introduction of measures which remove Restrictive Trade Practices Act restrictions; notes the estimates by analyst London Economics that 14,000 newsagents are at risk; and calls on the Office of Fair Trading to very seriously consider the most recent submission from the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Liberal Democrat 7, Labour/Co-operative 3, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1, UUP 1, Unknown 1.