§ Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the works of the Trinidad Paper Pulp Company have been dismantled for sale abroad; whether the Government of Trinidad made any 95W effort to buy this company; and what steps are being taken by the Government of Trinidad to foster the paper industry.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Trinidad Paper Pulp Company closed down its work because of failure over many years to make the project pay. The Trinidad Government were informed of this decision and approached the company with a view to utilising the premises and plant for experiments in the manufacture of paper and fibre board from bamboo and bagasse. They were informed that the plant had already been purchased by a British firm96W which proposed shipping it to England. Representations were made by my predecessor to the purchasers to consider continued operation of the plant in Trinidad, but they did not feel able to accede to that request in view of the requirements in this country and doubts over the feasibility of operations in Trinidad. The Trinidad Government have information that local interests contemplate entering this industry, and any application for Government assistance will receive sympathetic consideration in accordance with established policy.