HC Deb 04 March 1918 vol 103 cc1684-6
5. Mr. PARTINGTON

asked whether on the 20th February information was supplied by him to the Newspaper Proprietors' Association as to the details of the probable importation of paper and paper-making materials to be permitted during the coming twelve months; and, if so, will he say why this information was not also supplied to other interests concerned?

Mr. WARDLE

The importance of supplying similar information to other interests was fully recognised, but some delay occurred owing to the desire of the Paper Commission that the notification should be accompanied by the new Regulations regarding distribution, which were only ready for issue on 28th February.

9. Captain Sir CHARLES BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether ho is aware that the paper millers who supply provincial newspapers with their paper have given them notice that next month and thereafter the supply to them of paper will be only two-thirds of their present supply or less than half their pre-war supply; and, if so, whether, in view of the value of the provincial Press in making clear war aims, promoting the increased production of food and the loan of money to the Government for the conduct of the War, and generally in fostering patriotic feeling and activity, he will take steps to curtail the waste of paper in other directions before compelling such newspapers, through insufficiency of paper, to cease publication?

Mr. WARDLE

The Paper Commission are doing all in their power to curtail and check the waste of paper, and they are taking steps by the collection and distribution of waste to afford some relief in the scarcity which is inevitable under the present necessity of restricting imports.

Sir C. BATHURST

In the interests of the freedom and usefulness of the Press could not the wrapping of parcels, in dry weather, except in specified cases, be compulsorily discontinued?

Mr. WARDLE

The whole question of paper and paper control is now being reconsidered, with a view to seeing if some more drastic alterations can be made.

Mr. PETO

Will the hon. Member see in this reconsideration that the demands of the provincial Press have special consideration, in view of the fact that they do not require anything like the quantity of paper the daily organs do to convey the same amount of news and information?

Mr. WARDLE

I can assure my hon. Friend that there is every desire on the part of the Commission to see that the provincial Press is not handicapped.

Mr. WING

Will the hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Commission to the great waste of paper on our hoardings, advertising things of which we are supposed to be short?

Mr. WARDLE

As I have already indicated, the whole question is under consideration, and I hope that some very drastic changes will take place.

Sir C KINLOCH-COOKE

Does the hon. Member's reply apply to the waste of paper in public Departments?

Mr. WARDLE

It applies to the waste of paper everywhere.

10. Major NEWMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the lack of success which has attended the efforts of the Paper Commission in some aspects of its work; and whether he will consider the desirability of the creation of a Paper Controller, with an Advisory Committee to help him; and ensure that representatives of the actual users of paper other than newspaper proprietors and printers are represented on this Advisory Committee?

Mr. WARDLE

My right hon. Friend will bear in mind the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.