HC Deb 20 January 1948 vol 446 cc9-10W
79. Mr. Bartlett

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many local authorities have ceased to collect wastepaper for salvage; to what extent the collection of such paper is still important in the national interest; and what steps he has in mind for reviving interest in this form of salvage.

Mr. Belcher

I am aware that there has been some falling off in waste paper collections in certain areas, particularly in the less populated districts. The severe drought in Scandinavia in 1947 will result in reduced imports of wood pulp in 1948. This additional difficulty for home production of paper and paper board makes it even more necessary than before that waste paper supplies should be increased, especially as the demand for paper for packing purposes is also increasing. I would, therefore, appeal to the public and to local authorities, particularly in the more populous areas to intensify their salvage efforts.