§ 3. Sir JOHN POWERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information on the increase in the production of packing and wrapping paper in this country since the imposition of the safeguarding duty on this commodity?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAccording to returns I have received from the Union of Wrapping Paper Makers, which cover approximately 60 per cent. of the industry, the production of packing and wrapping paper this year has been slightly greater than during the corresponding period of last year.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDHas the production of kraft paper increased proportionately?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like notice of that question, but I have 184 had indications that new machinery has been ordered and will be brought into operation.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not the fact that at least £180,000 has been spent on new machinery in this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not sure of the figure, but I know that very large orders have been placed for machinery.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs it not a fact that there has been at different periods an increase in unemployment in the industry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROwing to a certain general falling off in trades using paper, there has been a falling off from what would otherwise have been ordered; but in spite of that orders have been placed for new machinery to equip 185 existing or new factories, and it is undoubtedly the case that the duty has had a stimulating effect.
§ Mr. HARRISHow does the right hon. Gentleman know what would otherwise have been ordered? How can he tell what is in people's minds?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERBecause I have been informed by the people who gave the orders.