HC Deb 09 February 1953 vol 511 cc18-9
28. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Materials whether he can give comparative figures for the collection of waste paper this year and last: and to what extent there is still need for this material to be salvaged.

Mr. H. Strauss

No figures are yet available for the collection of waste paper this year. The total receipts of waste paper at the paper and board mills in 1952 were 838,767 tons compared with 1,078,138 tons in 1951, the reduction being largely due to reduced consumption by the mills.

The need for waste paper salvage remains important, as appears from the figures of its consumption by the mills. which, in 1952, was 822,160 tons.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Is there not room for economy in the imports of this material, in view of the fact that very large quantities are being salvaged?

Mr. Strauss

No waste paper is being imported.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Minister aware that many local authorities in Scotland who have salvaged a large quantity of waste paper are unable to sell it? The facilities which they have for disposal are such that they are now reaching the stage at which they can no longer store the salvage and are having to stop collecting it. Can the hon. and learned Gentleman do something about it in order to help the local authorities?

Mr. Strauss

I will bring what the hon. Gentleman says to the attention of my right hon. Friend.

Sir T. Moore

Would the Minister consider appealing to the Howard Penal Reform League, who have sent me a large pamphlet against corporal punishment? He might get a lot of waste paper in that way.

Mr. Fernyhough

Why not send it to Franco?