§ 69. Sir THOMAS BENNETTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware of the serious extent to which the home timber trade is being handicapped by the continuance of high railway charges, while home-grown timber fetches only 25 per cent. more than before the War, as well as by the difficulty of competing against foreign supplies, which enjoy lower rates owing to the fact that the railways can handle timber more economically from the large ports; and whether, in view of recent substantial reductions in the rates for iron, steel, and other materials, hopes of early corresponding reductions in the rates for timber and other materials used in building can be held out?
§ Mr. NEALI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 8th instant to the hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe, of which I am sending him a copy.