SHIELDS GAZETTE'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

Early day motion 346, tabled 22 February 1999 by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour). Signed by 30 members.

That this House, believing the freedom of the Press to be an essential prerequisite to our democratic system, notes that The Shields Gazette is Britain's oldest provincial evening newspaper; congratulates it on achieving 150 years of continuous publication; pays tribute to its editors, journalists and other staff who have served the local community so well over the years; and wishes the newspaper success and prosperity over the next 150 years.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Conservative 2.