§ 33. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply the exact scope of the work of the new Timber Supply Board; and what are its relations to the Forestry Commission?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The Timber Control Board will, subject to my right hon. Friend, be responsible for all questions relating to timber supplies and production. The Board includes the Timber Controller and the Chairman of the Forestry Commission, and under the chairmanship of Mr. George Dallas it will direct the work of the Timber Control and the war-time work of the Forestry Commission and will pay particular attention to the development of home-grown timber production.
§ Mr. ParkerWill Questions in reference to the development of forestry during the war be put to the Minister of Supply or to the representative of the Forestry Commission?
§ Mr. MacmillanAs far as planting trees is concerned, that will remain the function of the Forestry Commission, but the cutting of trees will be under the Timber Board.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsIs the Supply Board responsible for importing timber?
§ Mr. LeonardIn order to conserve timber will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that Government inspectors do not bore holes in completed munition boxes in order to ascertain the water content?
§ Mr. EdwardsMay I have an answer to my question?
§ Mr. MacmillanThe Supply Board has as one of its members the Timber Controller, who is responsible for importing timber.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister aware that people in Canada wishing to supply spruce through this Board are refused the opportunity of doing so, with the result that a company controlled by a member of the Board supplies it at 50 per cent. more than is offered by the Canadian company?
§ Mr. MacmillanThese are all questions which will be reviewed by the Timber Control Board.