22. Mr. Vaneasked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate annual capacity of the existing plant in the country for the processing of waste paper; and whether he is satisfied that this is sufficient to process all waste paper supplies that can be economically collected in the country.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNearly all paper and board mills have been working at full capacity. The industry's consumption of waste paper was about 1.1 million tons in 1955. I am satisfied that capacity exists for processing the waste paper now being economically collected.
Mr. VaneDoes my right hon. Friend's reply mean that there would be no saving in foreign currency if this industry were expanded?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIt is difficult to estimate how far the economic collection of waste paper can be carried. I think there is the capacity for what is being economically collected at present, but it is a matter of opinion which I shall be happy to discuss with my hon. Friend.