§ 15. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fall in price during the past year of British timber used for pit-props; and whether he proposes to take any action?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that the price both of home grown and of imported pit-props has fallen substantially below the abnormally high level which was reached last year, but my information is that present prices are not lower than those ruling in earlier years.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageIs it possible for the Forestry Commission as well as private growers to appear before the Import Duties Advisory Committee to put their case?
§ Mr. StanleyNo, Sir. They have a pre-emptive guarantee under certain trade agreements.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs it not a fact that very little British timber is used for pit-props?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, Sir; I think it is about 5 per cent.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageIf that is so, would it not be a good thing to encourage it, so that we get more than 5 per cent.?
§ Mr. StanleyI understand that the price is still about 10s. over that of 1936, but that it has fallen from the high level of 1937.