§ 33. Mr. Crouchasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reduction has been made in the purchase of paper by Her Majesty's Government during the past six months compared with the previous six months.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerPaper purchased in the six months to 30th September, 1955, was 555 tons less than in the previous six months.
§ Mr. CrouchWhile I welcome this reduction, is my right hon. Friend aware that if he makes further reductions of one-third in the purchase of Government paper, he will not only save about £2 million in expenditure and 15,000 tons of paper, but release for industry a large number of people from the Civil Service and industry who could be employed on work more profitable than filling up forms?
§ Mr. ButlerAt any rate, the trend has recently been in the right direction, although I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General that there is a poor outlook for paper, because telephone directories take up a great deal.