§ 74. Mr. Edward Evansasked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has to the extent to which publishers of books in Great Britain are obliged to place orders for printing outside the United Kingdom owing to the shortage of paper; and what steps are being taken to provide sufficient paper to British printing firms in order that they can meet the needs of the publishers.
§ Mr. RhodesI am aware of one or two cases in which, for the reason stated, printing orders have been placed abroad, but the extent to which it is necessary to do this is likely to be small. The production of printing and writing papers (other than newsprint) is now at about 99 per cent. of pre-war level and latest information from the mills is that more paper has been supplied to book publishers so far this year than during the corresponding period of 1950. Facilities have already been provided for the import of all the essential paper making raw materials that can be obtained, and the paper and printing trades are co-operating in a voluntary priority scheme designed to safeguard essential needs and afford fair treatment for the small printer.