§ Mr. PERKINSasked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes to take in reference to Post Office contracts for the sale of waste paper, in view of the sudden and unexpected removal of the control of sale prices, whereby contractors are left with large accumulations of Government waste paper, for which they are compelled to pay a high price, and which they can now realise only at considerable loss?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe prices for waste paper fixed by the Controller of Paper during the period of control were maximum, not standard prices; and, subject to these maximum prices, firms could tender at any price they pleased. Those firms with whom contracts were placed are paying the prices which they offered in open competition. The fact that certain grades of waste paper are now falling in price must be regarded as an ordinary business risk; and no action is called for to relieve the contractors from their financial obligations under the contracts.