§ 140. Dr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade why 100,000 tons of newsprint of the 580,000 tons prepared in British mills is allocated to Australia, when British newspapers are faced with acute shortages.
Mr. H. WilsonThe production of the British newsprint mills is at present about 560,000 tons per annum, and our exports to all markets for this year and next should not exceed 100,000 tons per annum. Australia's share of this quantity will amount to about 75,000 tons in 1950 and 70,000 tons in 1951. These exports are to traditional markets and form part of long-term contracts which help to pay for our imports of food and raw materials.
§ 142. Dr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to secure from the dollar countries more newsprint for the British Press in order to avoid disaster to many local newspapers, to maintain full employment for journalists and to present adequately the serious issues which confront the democratic world.
Mr. H. WilsonThe Newsprint Supply Company has already been authorised to place contracts for 25,000 tons of dollar newsprint, in 1950 and 75,000 tons for 1951. I understand that in consequence of the very large demand for newsprint, difficulty is being experienced in securing early delivery against these orders, and I96W am in close consultation with the Newsprint Supply Company as to means of improving the situation, including the possibility of a long-term contract.