§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Supply, whether he is aware that there is it. Scotland an abundant supply of raw material available for the making of substitute but thoroughly serviceable esparto paper; that there is considerable unemployment in the mills making this paper owing to the erroneous belief that there is a shortage of such paper resulting in a limiting of licences for the supply thereof; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the public are made aware of the plentiful supply of esparto paper in Scotland, and to increase the quantities licensed for use?
§ Sir A. DuncanI understand that substitute materials for esparto, especially straw, are available in quantities greater than the existing plant can handle. Licences are readily granted for paper made from these substitutes and also for the export of any surplus production over home requirements. The attention of consumers has been drawn to this type of paper and I am considering what further steps can be taken to encourage its production.