Hume: LOCAL NEWSPAPERS REQUIRE COMMITMENT FROM SCOTTISH MINISTERS

12.00.00am GMT Fri 15th Jan 2010

Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today said that local newspapers could be denied a valuable chunk of income if a plan by the Scottish Government to publish public notices online goes ahead.

Responding to the announcement, Jim Hume said: "In the past the SNP have pledged support to local newspapers. This announcement is a very worrying about turn by the Government which will see a chunk of income withdrawn from local newspapers in East Lothian.

"Local papers are at the heart of East Lothian and are vital for communicating with the public, especially in many of our rural areas.

"If a notice is published online it is unlikely that people will stumble upon it, therefore defeating the purpose of a 'public notice'.

"The Scottish Government should be committed to our local newspapers to ensure they continue their important role."