HC Deb 06 May 1919 vol 115 cc748-9
62 and 64. Mr. HAYDN JONES

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the divisional officer of the Timber Supply Department in charge of the Bangor office is provided with a motor car at the public expense; whether he is aware that a motor car is used to travel long distances, such as between Bangor and Machynlleth; and whether he has sanctioned this expenditure of public money;

(2) If he will state the name of the divisional officer in charge of the Bangor office of the Timber Supply Department, together with his qualifications for the post and the salary he is being paid, also the names, qualifications, and salaries of the other members of the staff of the Bangor office?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)

The Timber Supply Department's divisional officer at Bangor is in charge of timber operations scattered over the counties of Carnarvon, Merioneth, Denbigh, Flint, and part of Montgomery. To carry out his duties, a car is essential, and long journeys are sometimes necessary. The divisional officer is Mr. C. G. Penney, whose present salary is £350 per annum, and who has had extensive experience. He has an administrative and clerical staff of, approximately, nineteen persons, at a weekly cost for salaries of £54. 8s. 8d.

Mr. JONES

Will the hon. Gentleman say what this officer's occupation was before he was appointed?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I do not know what his occupation was immediately before, but he was employed in logging, felling and hauling and forestry in Canada.

Mr. REMER

Is the hon. Member aware that many of these operations are miles away from a railway station?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I think the hon. Member who asked the question is well aware of that.

63. Mr. JONES

asked whether a two-ton crane and a number of bogey trolleys have been sent to Pennal Woods, county of Merioneth; if so, will he state the cost of the same and also the sum paid for their carriage and cartage to the site; whether the whole of the timber is cut into pit-props before removal; and, if so, will he explain the necessity for providing the crane and trolleys?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I would ask the hon. Member to be good enough to discuss these and any similar details of the working of the Timber Supply Department's operations with the Acting-Controller of Timber, who will be happy to afford any possible information.