HC Deb 02 November 1954 vol 532 cc206-7
43. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the salvage of waste paper now serves any useful purpose; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Strauss

Yes, Sir. Waste paper is a valuable raw material, which is now being used at the rate of one million tons a year in the manufacture of paper and of board for packing. This saves foreign exchange and helps to keep our mills in full production. There is also a small but useful export trade.

Major Anstruther-Gray

May we take it from that reply that my hon. and learned Friend wants to encourage local authorities to press on with their schemes of salvage?

Mr. Strauss

At the present moment collection and consumption are about evenly balanced. I cannot say, therefore, that there is any great need of new action.

Brigadier Medlicott

Could we not divert all the horror comics into this useful channel?

Mr. Dodds

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that Thames Board Mills are urgently appealing for more waste paper, and will he do all he can to get the local authorities to co-operate?

Mr. Strauss

I am anxious that what is required Shall be obtained.