HC Deb 24 March 1949 vol 463 cc528-9
3. Mr. Vane

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he did not invite the Minister of Agriculture to be represented on the Keith Price Committee to investigate the probable timber and plywood requirements of the United Kingdom in 1949–53.

Mr. H. Wilson

Since timber is used by most industries, it would not have been practicable to invite all interested Departments and trade associations to nominate representatives. The timber needs of all consuming industries, including agriculture, were, however, examined by the Committee.

Mr. Vane

Does the President of the Board of Trade realise that the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for forestry—which surely is timber production—in this country and since he invited representatives of the Admiralty and the Colonial Office, and all sorts of other Departments with very little interest, does he not think it odd not to have invited the Ministry of Agriculture? It must have reduced the value of the report to leave out the Department principally concerned.

Mr. Wilson

Yes, that was realised and, of course, we were fully supported with data at all points from the Ministry of Agriculture of prospective homegrown timber supplies.