§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Supply what steps have been taken to increase the supply of esparto grass for paper mills; and why such mills as now have considerable stocks of raw material for paper-making are not allowed to continue production?
§ Mr. BurginEvery effort is being made in conjunction with the Ministry of Shipping to augment supplies of esparto grass. As regards the second part of the Question, the necessity for conserving existing stocks of raw materials and for producing paper only for essential purposes necessitates production being limited to meet such deliveries as are permitted under the Paper Rationing Orders.