Local Newspapers
Debate between Sarah Wollaston and Louise MenschWestminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
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Louise Mensch
I do indeed. Now is not the time to wipe out our local press.
Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con)
My hon. Friend is being most generous. As everyone knows, she is prolific and effective in her use of new media. It is wonderful to see that she also supports traditional media, too; papers such as South Hams Gazette in my constituency, which does a fantastic job. I agree with her completely that this is not about subsidy. Supporting advertising through our local press is the best way to support democracy.
Louise Mensch
Yes, indeed. There are direct and indirect forms of subsidy. The Government should be considering that, rather than writing out a cheque to local newspaper groups, which is not at all what I propose.