HC Deb 25 March 1919 vol 114 cc220-1
71. Captain BROWN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there are any existing restrictions on the import to this country of manufactured paper; and, if so, whether it is intended to remove them in the near future?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

There is no restriction on the importation to this country of manufactured paper coming from another part of the Empire. Imports of manufactured paper from other countries are still subject to licence by the Paper Control until it ceases on 30th April. The intention is to keep imports to about 75 per cent. of the pre-war amount while the control continues.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Can the hon. Gentleman say why there is a difference between the paper imported from other parts of the Empire and paper imported from foreign countries?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That was all explained in the Debate on the 10th March.

74. Mr. HARRY HOPE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the effect on the paper-making industry of Scotland by the unrestricted importation of paper as now sanctioned and of the threatened closing down of many of our paper mills, with the accompanying unemployment of many workers, he will take steps to protect this home industry against the foreign competition of Scandinavia and America?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The importation of paper is not entirely unrestricted. Until the end of April, importations of paper are limited to 75 per cent. of the pre-war quantity. As regards the protection of the home industry against foreign competition, my right hon. Friend is giving careful consideration to this question.

75. Major BARNES

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the pledge given by the Minister of National Service and Reconstruction that raw materials required by our industries shall now be admitted free of restriction, he will say why pitwood is not included in the list of imported timber which may, after the 31st March, be imported without licence?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

It is desirable to continue the licensing of pitwood in order that when necessary the available tonnage may be used for sawn timber which at some ports is more urgently needed than pitwood. Licences are, however, readily granted for ports at which the stocks of pitwood are insufficient.