70. Mr. Prestcottasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in Lancashire difficulty is being experienced in disposing of waste paper collected by local authorities in view of the reluctance of firms to accept such waste; and whether he will make a statement on the position.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsMy right hon. Friend explained, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Mr. Symonds) on 30th June last, that he had decided to withdraw the compulsory directions on local authorities to collect waste paper, as the supply of mixed waste was somewhat in excess of demand. I am aware that certain local authorities have now given up collections and that they and some others who are continuing are finding difficulty in disposing of their accumulations. There are signs, however, that supply and demand are now in closer relation and local authorities should keep in touch with their normal selling channels.
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§ 83. Mr. Ecclesasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total paid out to local authorities to the latest convenient date by way of incentive to collect waste paper; and, in view of the increase in supplies, whether it is the policy of the Board of Trade to continue these payments.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsThe payments made to local authorities in respect of the waste paper bonus from the date of its commencement, 1st June, 1945, to 1st October, 1949, amount to £233,964. On 1st January, 1949, local authorities were informed that the scheme would be reviewed at the end of 12 months. The need to continue it beyond 31st December next will be considered in view of the circumstances then prevailing. If supplies are still in excess of demand it will obviously be unnecessary to continue to pay an incentive bonus.