HC Deb 30 April 1918 vol 105 cc1389-90
21. Mr. T. WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the members of the Boy Scouts' associations in many parts of the country are collecting waste paper and that, owing to the conditions contained in a Waste Paper Order, they are, when they sell the paper they collect to a paper manufacturer, compelled to accept £3 per ton less for their paper than is paid to a person who has a permit to buy waste paper; if he is aware that the money the Boy Scouts receive for the paper they collect is all given to Red Cross and other military hospitals for the benefit of wounded soldiers; and whether he will alter the Order so that the Boy Scouts may get the same price for their paper as a private trader gets for his?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)

I am aware of the facts stated in the question. The Waste Paper Order does not differentiate between Boy Scouts, private traders, or other persons, except in so far as it provides for special treatment of holders of permits. Permits are granted, as a rule, in cases where lots of 5 cwts. or over are dealt with and regular returns made. There is no necessity to alter the Order in the manner suggested, but I am having further inquiry made into the practice of selling or purchasing direct as between voluntary associations and manufacturers.

Mr. WILSON

Can the hon. Gentleman not see his way to grant a permit to the Boy Scouts' associations, seeing that the collection of the paper and the sorting of it entail a great deal more labour in the case of Boy Scouts' associations than in that of private individuals.

Mr. WARDLE

There is no objection whatever to granting permits to Boy Scouts' associations if they undertake to comply with the Order, which says that they must collect a certain weight.

Mr. WILSON

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Paper Commission has refused a permit to these associations, irrespective of the amount of paper they collect?

Mr. WARDLE

I am not aware of that. If they have, and my hon. Friend will acquaint me with the facts, I will inquire into them.

Mr. WILSON

Will my hon. Friend get rid of the present personnel of the Commission?