78. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the hon. Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he will set up a committee to consider as to how the production of pit-wood in this country may best be encouraged and the marketing of it improved?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The Forestry Commissioners have already set up an Inter-Departmental Committee on Homegrown Timber the terms of reference being
to investigate and submit proposals for improvements in the utilisation of homegrown timber.The committee are dealing with the question of the methods of extending the use of home-grown timber in the mines and have been in conference with the Central Committee of the Mining Association of Great Britain.
Duchess of ATHOLLDoes the question of the freight charges for pit wood and other forms of timber come within the purview of the Committee?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI could not tell my Noble Friend whether that comes within the strict terms of reference, but negotiations are going on, to my knowledge, at this moment.
§ Sir W. WAYLANDIs not the cost of production of pit wood in this country out of all proportion to the price at which it can be obtained from other parts of the Empire?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that the mineowners of this country, once they see that home-grown timber is comparable in quality and price, will readily buy it?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI hope that that will be the case. Investigations have 1276 proved that the quality is quite satisfactory.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us where the best pit props come from?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEScotland.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNWill the producers of home-grown timber he represented on this Committee?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe producers of home-grown timber are having the fullest consideration.