62. Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of paper-making mills in the United Kingdom, the amount of their paid-up capital, and the average dividends paid for the four pre-war years and of the past four years, stating the total number of employés engaged in the industry?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)The number of paper-making mills in the United Kingdom is about 233. With regard to their paid-up capital and dividends paid, I am unable to give the information asked for so far as it relates to private firms, but I am obtaining the information in the case of public companies, and will forward it to the hon. and gallant Member when complete. The number of workpeople engaged in the paper industry is estimated to be about 50,000.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCan the hon. Gentleman tell us whether paper is regarded as a raw material or as a manufactured article?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt is regarded as both.
§ Captain W. BENNIf the hon. Gentleman is unable to answer that question, how is he able to apply the policy as laid down in his answer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI did answer it. I said that I thought it was regarded as both.
§ Mr. REMERIs there not an inquiry taking place on this question at the present time, and is it wise to prejudge the result of that inquiry?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThere is a Committee sitting inquiring into the paper industry.