3. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the work of the North German Timber Control in obtaining timber for building in this country has been allowed to be held up owing to poor equipment and the delay in obtaining spare parts.
Mr. McNeilSupplies of equipment to the North German Timber Control have been limited by a world shortage of the equipment required and the competing claims of other users, including the United Kingdom.
Mr. VaneWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries? Will he see that the equipment already completely worn out, through working in Scotland during the war, is replaced with modern equipment, and that equipment is not kept out of action through lack of spare parts?
Mr. McNeilMuch equipment is out of use because of lack of spare parts, and for some equipment no spare parts are available. Some cannibalising processes have been put into operation, and we are trying to build up a decent supply of units which can be easily maintained.