HC Deb 07 February 1940 vol 357 cc240-1W
Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the Minister of Supply whether, before he rations the production of paper from British paper mills, he will take steps to exclude the importation of all paper from foreign sources which could be manufactured in home mills?

Mr. Burgin

It is proposed shortly to bring paper within the scope of the Import Licensing Regulations as part of the general arrangements for the rationing of paper, about which I made a statement yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Markham), and in licensing imports regard will be had to the availability of home supplies.

Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in rationing paper, he will allow unlimited supplies for export and give special consideration to new and growing firms who may have either no, or a very small, pre-war standard of consumption?

Mr. Burgin

Supplies of paper will, so far as possible, be made available for the export trade. As regards the last part of the Question, the rationing scheme will enable consideration to be given to special cases. I fear, however, that circumstances are not such as to encourage growth at present.