HC Deb 18 June 1925 vol 185 cc787-8
41. Sir VANSITTART BOWATER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can see his way to give instructions that His Majesty's Stationery Office, in issuing specifications for the supply of paper and boards, shall specify that these must be of British make, having in view the serious shortage of orders for these goods which has been experienced for a considerable time since the War, and, as a consequence, the unemployment which results therefrom?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness)

Orders for the supply of paper to His Majesty's Stationery Office are placed with British mills only and the necessity for specifying that the paper made in those mills should be British-made does not arise. With regard to boards (cardboards, straw-boards and millboards) tenderers are required to state whether the supply will be of home, Colonial or foreign make, and the origin is taken into account in considering tenders.

Sir V. BOWATER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that foreign boards are used to the detriment of British manufacturers, and also to the detriment of the employés?

Mr. GUINNESS

A very considerable number of orders have been given for these goods.

Sir V. BOWATER

Are they compelled to use British raw material.

Mr. GUINNESS

I must have notice of that question.