HC Deb 09 May 1940 vol 360 cc1405-6
68. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking, in view of the cessation of supplies from Scandinavia of wood-pulp for paper production, to tap every available source of supply, especially Canada and Newfoundland, in order to provide an adequate supply of this necessary commodity?

72. Mr. Naylor

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the increasing shortage of paper-making material, and the effect of such shortage on production and employment in the printing, newspaper and paper-making trades, he will take steps to secure a long-term agreement for the maximum amount of supplies of wood-pulp and logs from Canada and Newfoundland to prevent those stocks being absorbed by purchasers from other countries?

Colonel Llewellin

Steps have already been taken to secure alternative supplies and these will be continued to the fullest extent practicable in the circumstances. The possibilities are, of course, limited by shipping amongst other considerations.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind the possibilities of British Guiana in this respect?

Colonel Llewellin

Certainly, Sir, but I think that there it is mainly hard wood and not soft wood suitable for wood-pulp.

Sir I. Albery

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that several paper mills are already on short-time, and is he consulting with the directors and managers of these mills to ascertain what British raw material can be brought in?

Colonel Llewellin

The managers of local mills are all being taken into consultation with the Ministry of Supply on the question of the distribution of what raw material is available, and how to get it.

Mr. McCorquodale

Has my hon. and gallant Friend considered the possibility of getting pulp from Newfoundland via the Northern port of Petsamo?

Colonel Llewellin

That is another matter, and it is not put down in the Question, but certainly we got some pulp in that way earlier in the war, and there may be no reason why we should not get it again.

Dr. Little

Is the Minister of Supply aware that there is a large quantity of very suitable timber in Newfoundland awaiting shipment?