§ 46. Mr. T. J. Brooksasked the Minister of Production what increased allocation of newsprint has been allowed to newspapers during the last 12 months; and what increase of paper has been allocated for wrapping food during the last 12 months.
§ The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)The allocation of newsprint to newspapers was increased by approximately 11½ per cent. from 27th September, 1943. There has been a decline since October, 1943, of 8 per cent. in the allocations of paper and board which are specifically made for food wrappings.
§ Mr. BrooksCould the Minister tell us whether there is a sufficient supply of paper for shops, as it is very inconvenient for people to have to take home unwrapped goods? There is a great shortage of paper, and what there is, is of very poor quality.
§ Mr. LytteltonI can only say that we have had no serious complaint upon the subject.
§ Mr. ShinwellCould not the Government issue fewer White Papers?
§ Mr. BowlesCan the Minister say whether all the increase of 11½ per cent. in newsprint allocation has been taken up by the newspapers?
§ Mr. LytteltonVirtually, all.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsAre we to take it that if the Minister does receive serious complaints, he will respond to these requests?
§ Mr. LytteltonI can only respond within the limits of my ability. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that very often the weekly haddock goes home wrapped up in a leading article.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenDoes not the Minister think it preferable that butchers' meat should be wrapped in white paper, instead of in old newspapers which are collected weekly from customers?
§ Mr. LytteltonIt is preferable, and we are doing all we can in the matter.