HC Deb 12 December 1944 vol 406 cc1052-3
74. Mr. Jackson

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what were the prices agreed upon between the Forestry Commissioners and the trade association for surplus nursery stock and the quantities of trees supplied to purchasers on the instructions of the member firms of the trade association for the years 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943.

Colonel Sir George Courthope (Forestry Commissioner)

Sales made to the trade associations during the seasons 1940/41 and 1941/42 were at prices fixed by the Forestry Commissioners. For the seasons 1942/43 and 1943/44 a considerable number of prices was agreed. It was also agreed that these prices were not for publication, but I shall be happy to hand a schedule to the hon. Member for his own information.

Sales to the trade associations' members during the years quoted were:

Season. Seedlings (Thousands). Transplants (Thousands).
1940/41 — 259
1941/42 59 100
1942/43 2,259 1,477
1943/44 3,350 1,996
of which the following were supplied direct to purchasers on the instructions of the member firms of the trade associations:
Season. Seedlings (Thousands). Transplants (Thousands).
1940/41 — 135
1941/42 — —
1942/43 182 422
1943/44 855 348

Mr. Storey

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when those prices were discussed between the nursery trade and the Forestry Commission, and whether representatives of the consumers were present?

75. Mr. Jackson

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the date on which the revised prices for 1944 were agreed upon by the Forestry Commissioners with the Trades Association for surplus nursery stock.

Sir G. Courthope

The date of the agreement referred to was 19th October last.