HC Deb 24 February 1919 vol 112 cc1349-50
10. Mr. ARNOLD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that paper is at present being sold in the United States at under 3d. per lb.; whether he is aware that the controlled price for similar quality of paper in this country is 4¾d. per lb., and that buyers frequently have to pay much more; and whether, in these circumstances, he will remove the import restrictions on paper?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am informed that paper of the quality known as "Newsprint" is being sold in the United States at the present time at the equivalent of less than 3d. per lb. The latest month for which the price has been fixed by the Paper Controller is December, 1918, and the price fixed 4½d. I am informed that buyers of paper outside of the ration quantities have been asked more than 4¾d. per lb. Means are provided in the Regulations whereby prices may be determined by the Controller as between buyer and seller upon application being made. The whole question of paper restriction is under discussion at the present time, and my right hon. Friend expects to make an announcement at an early date.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the hon. Gentleman say what he means by an early date?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

As early a date as is possible.

12. Major HAYWARD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there is still an embargo or restriction upon the importation of paper; if so, what is the reason of its continuance; if the intention is to keep up the selling price of paper in the interests of paper manufacturers; is he aware that consumers of paper, such as the proprietors of weekly journals, are gravely prejudiced both on account of the high cost of paper and the shortness of supplies; and whether he can see his way to remove all restrictions on the importation of paper at once?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Imports of paper, etc., are still restricted, and are only permitted under licence. It is realised that all users of paper, including proprietors of weekly journals, are sufferers by the prevailing high prices. The whole question of import restrictions on paper is under discussion at the present time, and my right hon. Friend expects to make an announcement at an early date.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the restriction maintained in the interests of the paper manufacturers of this country?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The restriction is maintained for various considerations which I cannot answer in reply to a supplementary question.