HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 c1123
9. Commander Noble

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the production of newsprint in the Gold Coast and in other colonial territories.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The use of possible substitutes for wood pulp has been and is being investigated, but so far none has been found which appears to offer a reasonably economic proposition for the production of newsprint. The main obstacle is the lack of soft woods in the colonial territories.

Commander Noble

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a recent French discovery whereby, by mixing hard and soft local woods, a suitable pulp is obtained? Has he given any consideration to developing that idea?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, I have heard of that and I think it is being investigated, but with what results I do not know.