HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 cc205-7
65. Mr. Grimond

asked the President of the Board of Trade what considerations have led him to restrict imports of newsprint while encouraging its export.

Mr. Low

Both are restricted. Imports are at present controlled for balance of payments reasons. Exports, which are limited to 150,000 tons per annum, go almost entirely to Commonwealth countries. They are made under valuable longterm contracts, and great importance is attached to them by the Commonwealth countries concerned and by our newsprint manufacturers.

Mr. Grimond

While not underestimating the importance of exports, is it not the case that all the newspapers of this country are complaining of a lack of newsprint at the present time, and will the right hon. Gentleman not do something about it?

Mr. Low

The House may not be aware that in the five years since 1950 there has been an increase in the amount of exports allowed of 50,000 tons, and an increase in imports of nearly 300,000 tons.

66. Mr. Grimond

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied that there will be adequate stocks of paper, other than newsprint, in the country over the next three months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Low

I have no comprehensive figures for stocks of paper other than newsprint, but supplies are considerably higher than in the past three years, and I do not expect any serious shortage of paper for essential purposes over the next three months. Imports are still controlled for balance of payments reasons, but will be somewhat higher than last year.

Mr. Grimond

Are we to take it that the Minister's answer means that the next three months will be a time of particular importance from the newsprint point of view?

Mr. Low

I have only taken it as the next period because the hon. Member specifically referred to it in his Question. In the interests of the House and the country, I ought to make this clear, because the hon. Gentleman's Question did not relate to newsprint.

67. Mr. Grimond

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he proposes to continue the control of newsprint up to 1958; and why the Government themselves will not exercise the control directly.

Mr. Low

The Government must continue the control of imports of newsprint so long as balance of payments considerations require it. So long as supplies of newsprint are limited some control over its distribution is necessary. It is the Government's view that this control, which involves detailed arrangements inside the newspaper industry, is best exercised by the industry itself.

The scheme at present under consideration by the industry is based on a four-year period ending in 1958, but contains provision for earlier termination if all parties agree, and subject to the approval of my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Grimond

Are not very large amounts of dollars being spent upon much less essential commodities than newsprint? Are we to take it that control will be terminated before 1958 if the situation improves?

Mr. Low

The import control is necessary so long as balance-of-payments considerations make it necessary.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Can the hon. Member say whether it is true that, whilst newsprint is short, the Government's regulations prohibit newspapers from using alternatives to newsprint?

Mr. Low

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down that question so that I can be clear exactly what point he is raising.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Is the hon. Member aware that " The Times " is eager to use something other than newsprint for printing its newspaper?

Mr. Low

If that is so, the right hon. Gentleman is raising another question, because this one refers to newsprint.