§ 34. Mr. Percy Holmanasked the President of the Board of Trade if a decision has yet been reached as to the classification of gummed paper in reels and sheets; and how far the importation of this article is o be permitted from the continent of Europe under licence.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe open general licence for gummed paper in reels and sheets has been revoked as from 8th November, 1951, for those countries to which it formerly applied, other than the Scheduled Territories.
Imports from the countries affected, including Western Europe, will be licensed under the import quota for manufactures of paper and board. Licences under this quota, which covers most manufactures of paper and board, will be issued for £800,000 c.i.f. in respect of the period ending 30th June, 1952. Details of these arrangements were given in Notice to Importers No. 467, issued by the Board of Trade on 19th November, 1951.
§ Mr. HolmanWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him if it is not the fact that gummed paper was classified as coated paper and that this represents a different classification? Furthermore, is he aware that this is an essential element in packaging, and that already firms are being held up in their finishing departments in the export trade as well as the home trade, and that there is a shortage? Will he assure us that no further delay will arise in promoting imports under contracts that have already been made?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftGummed paper is, of course, included in this respect within the general definition of paper and board, and it is not possible to isolate it. On the second part of the supplementary question, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will draw my attention to specific cases he has in mind.