§ 39. Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is still an unsatisfied demand for homegrown timber; if so, is he aware that there are quantities of timber in East Sussex awaiting sale; and will he ascertain whether the ordinary sale of home-grown timber is being hampered by the action of timber rings or other syndicates?
Mr. ROBERTSThere is a greatly increasing demand for home-grown timber, and the development of home supplies is of the greatest possible national importance. I am aware that supplies are available not merely in East, Sussex but throughout the country, and their purchase and conversion by the Controller of Timber Supplies and by private enterprise are proceeding as rapidly as possible. The information in my possession does not lead me to believe that the ordinary sale of home-grown timber is at present hampered in the way suggested in the question, but if my hon. Friend will give particulars of any case he has in mind prompt inquiries will be made. Cases where standing timber has been purchased with a view to holding for a possible rise in price and not for conversion have been met by the Standing Timber Order. 1917, published in last Friday's "Gazette," and of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. Should any additional powers be necessary to deal with the timber situation I shall not fail to take and exercise them.
§ Major NEWMANI will send the correspondence, if I may, to the hon. Gentleman.