§ 41. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say how many Canadian timber fellers are working in this country; whether they are employed by the Government or are their services available to private owners of timber; whether the Government is prepared to buy timber from private owners; and, if so, what class of timber?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)The Canadian timbermen constitute a military unit—the 224th Canadian (Forestry) Battalion. There are 1,600 officers and men in this country. They are employed solely upon Government work, and their services cannot be made available for private persons. Offers of timber by private owners should be made to the Home-grown Timber Committee, 4, 1660 The Sanctuary, Westminster, who are prepared to consider the purchase of large lots of 40,000 or 50,000 cubic feet and upwards of either softwoods or hardwoods. The Committee are also prepared to purchase converted timber from private owners in smaller lots.
§ Mr. MACMASTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable dissatisfaction prevails among the Canadian, timber fellers at Virginia Water owing to-the terms they have received?
§ Mr. ACLANDI have not heard of that. It rather surprises me. I will look into it at once.