HC Deb 21 June 1950 vol 476 cc1269-70
14. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to stimulate research into the uses of timber other than the commonly used types produced within the Colonial Empire, with a view to their development and application to the housing problem of this country.

Mr. Dugdale

The Forest Products Research Laboratory is carrying out extensive research into the properties of some 20 Colonial timbers, with the object of developing their uses in the most effective and economical ways. Extra staff are being recruited for this purpose.

Brigadier Rayner

In view of the fact that experts think that some of the timbers being used in the construction of our new Chamber would be economical and quite suitable for more general use, would the Minister take the advice of his right hon. Friend the Minister of Works?

Mr. Dugdale

I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend on that point.