87. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JOHN HOPEasked the Minister of Reconstruction whether he obtained evidence from the paper trade that British mills are now unable to supply all the paper which is required?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Inquiries were made before a decision was arrived at. The conclusion reached was that the mills are not at present in a condition to supply the quantity of paper estimated to be required, nor could they be placed in a condition to do so for some time to come. This especially applies to descriptions of paper known as newsprint, bag papers, and strawboard.
Lieutenant-Colonel HOPEWill the hon. Gentleman say from whom inquiry was made, and whether the paper mills have not now huge stocks of which they cannot dispose?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot say offhand from whom the inquiries were made.
Lieutenant-Colonel HOPEDoes the hon. Gentleman deny that the paper mills have large stocks of paper on hand?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThey may have of some kinds of paper.