HC Deb 07 November 1921 vol 148 cc3-4
6. Mr. RAPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the traders' panel to be set up by his Department under the Ministry of Transport Act will be appointed; and whether he will take the advice of the Timber Trade Federation of the United Kingdom as to their being suitably represented on this panel?

Mr. BALDWIN

The selection of the 22 representatives of trading interests whom I have to nominate to the General Panel to be set up under Section 24 of the Railways Act, 1921, is under consideration in consultation with bodies representative of trading interests. I cannot say more at present than that the representations which I have received from the Timber Trade Federation will receive careful attention.

Mr. RAPER

In view of the fact that the timber trade represents one-third of the total goods traffic of the English railways, will the right hon. Gentleman give a promise that there will be at least one representative of the timber trade, and that that representative shall be approved by the Federation representing the entire industry?

Mr. BALDWIN

I cannot allow my hon. Friend to make me give a promise, but he may rest assured that all facts brought to my notice will be borne in mind.