33. Earl of DALKEITHasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the attention of the Forestry Commission has been drawn to a pamphlet entitled "The Timber Problem," published by the Economic Committee of the League of Nations; to the absence in that publication of any reference to Great Britain and to the fact that there was no representative of 195 British forestry or of the home timber industry on the committee in question; whether the Forestry Commission was informed in the first place that the committee was to be set up; and whether any steps were taken, through the appropriate channels, to ensure the representation of British interests?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have been asked to reply. I understand that the Forestry Commission are aware of this pamphlet, which was issued in May, 1932. Forestry statistics relating to Great Britain are contained in a document prepared by the International Institute of Agriculture, which is mentioned in the pamphlet. As Great Britain is predominantly interested in the consumption rather than in the production of timber, the Timber Trade Federation of the United Kingdom were asked to suggest the United Kingdom member of the League of Nations sub-committee. The various Departments concerned, including the Forestry Commission, are following developments in the matter.
Earl of DALKEITHWill not my right hon. Friend give an assurance that in future the Forestry Commission will be consulted beforehand in regard to the matter of timber supplies, and does he not consider that this attitude rather ignored the importance of British forestry?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI was not aware of there being any failure to consult the Forestry Commissioners about this appointment, but I will certainly see that in future the Forestry Commission are kept fully informed.