HC Deb 24 July 1956 vol 557 cc190-1
21. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what purpose he finds it necessary to keep import controls on newsprint.

Mr. Low

There are two reasons. The first is that we could not yet afford the substantial increase in imports necessary to satisfy the full estimated home demand. We are, however, at present prepared to licence imports of a greater quantity of newsprint than is available.

Import licensing does not therefore restrict supplies.

The second reason is that since demand is substantially greater than total supplies, my right hon. Friend has been asked by the newspapers generally to continue the rationing of newsprint by statutory order until the industry has worked out a voluntary scheme to protect the small user. Import licensing is necessary to enable us to control distribution.

Mr. Bottomley

Is it a fact that newsprint is allowed for papers without an import licence? Why not use the import licensing system for more essential purposes?

Mr. Low

As I have explained, import licensing governs the import of newsprint, and licences are necessary; but it does not restrict supplies at the moment.