§ 9. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the removal of all restrictions upon the exportation of Scandinavian paper, several British mills are closing down, thus causing widespread unemployment?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe hon. Member presumably refers to restrictions on imports into the United Kingdom, and not on exports from Scandinavia. It is not true that all restrictions on import of paper have been removed. Imports are being admitted up to 75 per cent. of pre-war imports up to the end of April, 1919. But in the cases of imports from the Empire there is no such limitation. I am informed that certain mills are closing down owing to unsettlement in prices arising out of the relaxation of restriction of imports of paper. Such imports are not derived exclusively from Scandinavia, but also from Canada, Newfoundland, and the United States.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGIs there any shortage of paper in this country at the present time?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am afraid I must have notice of that question.