asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of ordinary white bank and other types of paper used for commercial printing; and what steps he has taken to remedy this shortage.

I am aware of some shortage. Facilities have already been provided for the import of all the paper-making raw materials which can be obtained, and the paper industry are cooperating in a voluntary priority scheme which should safeguard essential needs and provide fair treatment for the small printer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what pro portion of the total available supplies of ordinary white bank and other types of paper used for commercial printing has been purchased by Government Departments during the last three months.

It is estimated that in the four months ending 4th March, 1951, Government purchases amounted to about 6 per cent. of all the printing and writing paper (other than newsprint) produced in this country.