HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 cc563-4
70. Mr. Higgs

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give the average monthly weight of paper used in the production of posters issued by the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Supply and other Government Departments, which are distributed to works and factories?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

The approximate average monthly weight of paper used by all Departments in recent months in the production of posters for distribution to works and factories is nine tons. Of that amount three tons is in respect of posters for the Ministry of Labour and National Service, and ¾ ton for the Ministry of Supply. A separate figure for the Ministry of Information is not available as that Department issues posters on behalf of other Departments.

Mr. Higgs

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that these posters serve any really useful purpose? Does he not think that the paper could be used to greater advantage elsewhere?

Captain Crookshank

It is not my opinion which is worth consulting on that point.

Mr. Messer

Do they give any information which is not already known?

Mr. Lawson

Could you not divert some of the Income Tax paper to this purpose?