NEWSQUEST

Early day motion 377, tabled 8 January 2004 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 74 members.

That this House notes with concern that trained and qualified journalists for the regional newspaper group Newsquest, which made over ú70 million last year, while its US parent company made over $1 billion, are earning as little as ú12,000 a year; further notes that, although executive pay at Newsquest papers rose 43 per cent. last year, many of the journalists endured a real terms pay cut imposed by the company; therefore supports the Newsquest journalists' campaign for fair pay; and urges the company to recognise the contribution made to the group by its journalists by giving them the fair deal they deserve.

Signatures by party: Labour 52, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 4, Independent 1.