§ 49. Mr. Isaacsasked the Minister of Supply whether the office occupied by the Paper Control is the same office as the Paper Makers' Association; and will he state the number of persons employed in the Paper Control organisation?
§ Mr. BurginThe building at Reading in which the offices of the Paper Control are located is also occupied, as a wartime arrangement, by certain staff of the Paper Makers' Association. The permanent office of the association remains, I understand, in London. The number of persons in the employment of the Paper Control is 64.
§ 50. Mr. Isaacsasked the Minister of Supply whether there are on the Paper Control Board representatives of paper-users in addition to paper-makers; whether he is aware that the Paper Makers' Association have recommended their members to cancel all contracts and to charge maximum-controlled prices; and whether he will prevent such action in view of the effect upon employment in the printing industry?
§ Mr. BurginPaper-users are represented on the advisory committees which have been set up to ensure the fullest possible co-operation between the Paper Controller and the interests concerned. I understand that war conditions have resulted in the costs of paper making being substantially above the prices in a number of pre-war contracts which some makers had entered into. The position under these contracts is a matter to be settled by the parties to them. I am satisfied that the maximum prices in the Orders I have made are in present conditions fair to consumers.
§ Mr. IsaacsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the operations of this board and the delay in obtaining paper by printers are leading to a great deal of unemployment in the printing trade?
§ Mr. BurginYes, Sir. I am afraid that is one of the consequences of the shortage of paper.
§ Mr. IsaacsIs it due to the shortage of paper or the bad management of the Control Board?
§ Mr. BurginIt is due to the shortage of the material for making paper.