HC Deb 21 May 1957 vol 570 c1023
31. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is now his policy with regard to the saving of waste paper rather than its destruction; and to what extent the supply of, or the demand for, waste paper has diminished during the past two years.

Mr. Erroll

We favour the salvage of as much waste paper as can be collected and used economically. Supplies of waste paper were more abundant in 1956 than in 1955, but usage declined slightly. Exports however increased markedly.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask the Minister whether anything has been done to issue a directive to municipal authorities regarding this matter? Are they still collecting bundles of waste paper, as once they were, or have they abandoned that process?

Mr. Erroll

The using industries keep in close touch with local authorities to try to equalise supply and demand, which is a difficult matter and is best done by consultation between the interests concerned.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Would the hon. Gentleman confirm that the increased amount of waste paper is mainly due to the larger size in newspapers?

Mr. Erroll

I do not think there is any evidence in support of that suggestion.