HC Deb 21 February 1916 vol 80 cc401-2
6. Mr. J. M. HENDERSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the Royal Commission about to be appointed to deal with imports of raw material for paper making, whether up to the present Scottish paper manufacturers are unrepresented on this body, while both the Scottish printing trade and the Irish newspaper Press have their special representatives; if so, in view of the interests affected, will he take steps to rectify this; and whether he is aware that as at present constituted the paper manufacturers have only two representatives on this Commission, while the paper consumers—i.e., the Press, printing, and publishing trades—have no less than six; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure a more equitable representation of the various trades affected?

Mr. PRETYMAN

The Royal Commission has already been appointed, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to advise any alteration in its constitution. It would have been quite, impossible, without making the Commission unwieldy, to include in it representatives of every individual interest likely to be affected by the prohibition of imports. It is an expert and not a representative body.

Mr. HENDERSON

Will any paper manufacturer and importer of pulp have his case heard before the Committee? Will he be allowed to go before the Committee and state any special case?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I believe so.

Mr. HEWINS

Is he aware that the Committee does not represent essential elements necessary for dealing with the problem?

Mr. PRETYMAN

It is an expert Committee and not a representative Committee.

Mr. HENDERSON

Does the pulp include esparto grass?

Mr. PRETYMAN

That matter will be considered. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a question down.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish paper trade is expert as well as representative?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I am quite ready to believe it.