§ 27. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Guard Bridge Paper Company has had to close down on account of the unexpected cut in supplies of esparto grass, about which he has been informed; why no previous notice of the cut was sent to the company; when further supplies are to be expected; and what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of such unheralded curtailment of supplies.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. The immediate shortage was due to a diversion at very short notice of certain ships for the purpose of carrying grain. No fresh supplies could therefore be allowed for the time being to the Guard Bridge Paper Company but further supplies have now been sent to them and I understand they re-opened on Tuesday last. All users of esparto have been warned of the supply position and efforts are being made in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport to improve shipments.
§ Mr. StewartIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the company in question informed me today that quantities supplied to them will keep them going for only half a week, and that they have been discouraged from laying up stocks in the past on the direct instructions of the Department?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe shortage of shipping has had a serious effect upon the importation of esparto. We are doing our best now to try and get it improved.