HC Deb 05 April 1951 vol 486 c364
22. Mr. Hurd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will allow more of the newsprint production of home mills to be retained in this country in view of the additional production of 50,000 tons annually in Tasmania which will be available to Australian and New Zealand newspapers.

Mr. H. Wilson

Newsprint capacity in Tasmania is being increased, but I am informed that no additional supplies from that source will become available this year.

Mr. Hurd

Meanwhile, will the Minister relax his requirement that 100,000 tons of newsprint must be exported from this country in the present year, and allow fair shares to our own newspapers?

Mr. Wilson

I do not think that that is a matter affected by this Question. We have discussed the export of newsprint on a number of occasions and I have made it clear that if there is any danger of further restrictions of supplies to our home market I would be prepared to go into the question of exports.