HC Deb 06 July 1950 vol 477 cc637-8
54. Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Agriculture what quantity of pit-props were supplied by the Forestry Commission to the National Coal Board during 1947, 1948 and 1949; and what quantity it is anticipated will be supplied during the current year.

Mr. T. Williams

The quantity of pit-wood supplied by the Forestry Commission to the National Coal Board either direct or through agents was 930,000 cubic feet in 1947, 2,700,000 cubic feet in 1948, and 2,900,000 cubic feet in 1949. It is estimated that production by the Forestry Commission in 1950 will be about 3 to 3¼ million cubic feet. Pitwood is also supplied to the National Coal Board by timber merchants from poles and standing timber sold to them by the Commission but no information of the amount is available.

Colonel Ropner

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures he has given include a proportion of hardwoods, or whether it is all softwood?

Mr. Williams

It is softwood.

Mr. Vane

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Forestry Commission is now selling to the National Coal Board under the terms of a long-term contract?

Mr. Williams

I should want notice of that.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Are these United Kingdom figures which the right hon. Gentleman has just given?

Mr. Williams

Yes.