HC Deb 05 April 1955 vol 539 cc85-6W
Captain Pilkington

asked the President of the Board of Trade the current consumption of newsprint compared to before the war.

Mr. P. Thomeycroft

Before the present newspaper strike, current consumption by newspapers was running at approximately 15,000 tons per week. Before the war the average weekly figure was 21,000 tons. The increased imports already authorised should permit consumption to increase substantially when the supplies arrive in the second half year. In addition, about 1,500 tons per week is now used by periodicals and other users. This is about 20 per cent. below the pre-war figure.