§ 65. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in consequence of the recent Order of the Paper Controller withdrawing the restrictions on printed matter being imported into this country, large orders are being placed with American houses for calendars, Christmas cards, toy books, and other printed matter at English pre- 2718 war prices; and whether, in view of the largely increased cost of production of printed matter in this country and of the fact that the unrestricted import of printed matter from abroad will seriously injure the British printing industry, he will reconsider the matter with the view of modifying the recent Order of the Paper Controller?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Board of Trade has no definite information as to the placing of orders for printed matter of the descriptions mentioned, with American houses, but sees no reason to doubt that orders are being placed.
The Committee appointed by the Board of Trade to consider the position of the paper industry is sitting from day to day, and I am informed that the question raised by the hon. and learned Member has been brought before it and is receiving consideration. As the Committee expects to report at an early date, I do not consider that action in the direction suggested by him is desirable at the present time.