§ Mr. A. C. Reedasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, after collection of waste paper, local authorities are unable to sell to paper mills but have to deliver it to dealers at 1s. per cwt., which entails a heavy loss to them; and will he take steps to allow these authorities to sell in bulk to paper mills and obtain dealers' prices and so save this loss to the rates and secure this important raw material to take the place of imported goods?
§ Mr. BurginLocal authorities are not compelled to sell waste paper collected by them to dealers. Any paper mill wishing to purchase waste paper direct from a local authority should apply to the Paper Controller for a licence, which would in ordinary circumstances be readily granted.
§ Mr. Reedasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that only 1s. per cwt. can be obtained by collectors of waste papers unless they are registered dealers; that it is practically impossible to get names added to the register; that those at present on the register are doing little to collect waste paper in rural and urban areas; and will he take steps to allow names to be added to that register of anyone willing to undertake the work of collection?
§ Mr. BurginThe price of 1s. per cwt. relates to mixed waste paper only. Higher prices are permitted where such papers are sorted and graded ready for re-manufacture or are baled and sold in quantities of four tons or more. No authorisation to collect waste paper is necessary where the collector does not propose to acquire waste paper in single consignments exceeding 10 cwt. Where any person is able to acquire waste paper in single consignments in excess of 10 cwt. from sources not hitherto tapped, the necessary authorisation is readily granted by the Paper Controller.