3. Air Commodore Harveyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a larger quantity of British newsprint from the lower priced export surplus available to newspapers in Malaya in 1951.
Mr. H. WilsonThe whole of the 100,000 tons to which His Majesty's Government has limited exports from the mills in 1951, is already committed. In its allocation, I took full account of representations made both on behalf of the Colonies, and of other parts of the Commonwealth.
Air Commodore HarveyDoes not that mean that the representations have been ineffective? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that Malaya, which is going through a frightful emergency, needs paper at the right price? In view of the dollars earned by the Colony, would not he consider this matter in the light of existing circumstances?
Mr. WilsonNo, Sir, the representations were by no means ineffective. It would only be possible to increase further the newsprint allocation for Malaya if we were able to reduce other exports.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in considering allocations as between the particular Colonies in other parts of the sterling area, any extra weight was given to Malaya, because it is the only part of the Empire now at war?
Mr. WilsonWe were guided by the Colonial Office in this respect; they gave us their view on shipments to particular Colonies.
Air Commodore HarveyI beg to give notice that, as the right hon. Gentleman 504 has given a very unsatisfactory reply. I shall endeavour to raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.