HC Deb 01 May 1947 vol 436 cc264-5W
86. Mr. G. Wallace

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that the supply of exercise books to schools in the county of Kent is being reduced to such an extent as to seriously interfere with the education of children; and what steps he is taking to ease the position.

Mr. Hardman

The shortage of exercise books in Kent and elsewhere is due mainly to the shortage of coal supplies to the paper mills concerned. The recent increase in the basic quota of coal for the mills should improve the position to some extent. The question whether a further substantial increase can be made during the summer months is under consideration