§ 50. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that timber merchants are taking advantage of the clause authorising them to add 20 per cent, to the controlled price on lots not exceeding £15 in value, by refusing to sell in larger quantities, even when they have them in stock, and that this is causing serious difficulties to contractors on Government work, who have based their estimates on the controlled price; and will he arrange for the price of timber to be irrespective of the quantity sold?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware that difficulties of the kind referred to by the hon. Member have occurred in certain cases. A suitable remedy is under consideration. While I am anxious to prevent abuse of the provision, I do not think it would be reasonable to abandon the customary trade practice of allowing for the disproportionate handling and other charges on relatively small orders.
§ Mr. LipsonWhen will that remedy be announced?
§ Mr. BurginA number of remedies are under consideration, but I will inform the trade at once that the Minister has power to requisition any timber at any time.
§ Mr. LeonardDid not the right hon. Gentleman indicate two months ago that he contemplated issuing a new order on this matter?
§ Mr. HicksMay I ask whether the figures are correct and whether 20 per cent. extra is put on for the mere handling of timber? Does not the right hon. Gentleman regard that as excessive?
§ Mr. BurginI have said that it was a recognised matter in the trade that smaller quantities were more trouble and that some increase in the handling charges was reasonable.
§ Mr. LipsonIn view of the representations made from all parts of the House, will not my right hon. Friend reconsider his answer?
§ Mr. BurginWhat I think the House wants is that the remedy I promised should be brought into operation more quickly than the answer suggests, and I am willing to do it.