asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of difficulties experienced by local authorities in respect of the disposal of their waste paper and cardboard; what action has been taken, in collaboration with the Waste Paper Recovery Association, to ensure useful disposal of surplus paper; and whether consideration has been given to the possibility of securing overseas markets for the waste.

I am aware that local authorities who collect this valuable indigenous material have recently been asked by the Waste Paper Co-ordinating Committee to reduce their deliveries to the mills by at least 10 per cent. for a period of six months. This is necessary because the amount collected and delivered is temporarily in excess of the present capacity of the mills and it is imperative to reduce stocks. I am glad to say that exports of waste paper are increasing. The overseas demand, however, is for good quality waste and the present large stocks are mainly of un-sorted, mixed waste.

Could not steps be taken to see whether more of this waste paper could be taken from local authorities, since they do not want to clog themselves with an unnecessary surplus of waste paper?

One problem is that waste paper does not keep very well in stock and it is imperative not to accumulate excessive stocks at the mills.

If good quality waste paper is wanted for export, why not destroy the waste paper not required in order to collect good quality papers which can earn us foreign currency?

I will certainly consider that suggestion.

Could the Minister say anything about the waste paper collected by private individuals? They, too, are finding it difficult to get rid of it.

I will look into that as well.