HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 c902W
Mr. WILKIE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, whilst there is a restriction on the importation of paper materials into this country, there is no restriction upon the importation of printed paper in the form of children's toy-books whether he is aware that this discrimination is prejudicial to home producers who are having to pay 50 per cent. extra for paper materials, in addition to war bonuses to the workmen they employ in this country; and whether he will consider the advisability of removing this discrimination?

Mr. ROBERTS

Printed books, other than periodicals, do not at present fall within the restriction on the importation of paper, which, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, was imposed with a view to the saving of tonnage space. I will consider the desirability of some further restriction on these imports from that point of view.