§ 113. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of State, Board of Trade, as representing the Minister of Materials, how many tons of newsprint were imported into the United Kingdom during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1954; whether he has formed an estimate of the additional tonnage of newsprint imports which would be needed during the year, to 30th June, 1955, to secure derationing of newsprint, and what part of such additional imports would be obtainable from dollar sources and what part would not; what such additional imports would cost at today's prices; and whether he will end newsprint rationing on 31st December, 1954, or before.
Mr. AmoryDuring the year ended 30th June, 1954, approximately 278,000 tons of newsprint were imported. During the subsequent twelve months, as a result of increased amounts authorised by my noble Friend, approximately 375,000 tons will be imported, and the newspapers expect to obtain about 400,000 tons from the home mills, making 775,00 tons in all.
My noble Friend understands from the Newsprint Supply Company that, even if balance of payments considerations permitted, no more would be physically available from any source in the second half of 1954 nor in the first half of 156W 1955. Before the war, newspapers consumed about 1,100,000 tons a year. My noble Friend has not been advised by the Newsprint Supply Company as to the tonnage which would be needed to permit derationing.