36. Commander Maitlandasked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he is aware that the price of a 30 ft. medium pole suitable for electricity supply has risen in price from £6 5s. in July, 1951, to £10 6s. delivered on the site at the present time; and, as this rise in cost is prejudicing the extension of electricity supplies in country districts, what steps he is taking to get this price lowered.
§ Mr. MackesonMy noble Friend does not control the price of poles. Owing to the time required for selection and treatment the price of poles going into consumption is related to that paid for softwood about a year before. The increase to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers reflects that which took place in the price of timber during 1951. A fall in the price of poles can be expected in due course corresponding to the reduction in timber prices in 1952.
Commander MaitlandDoes my hon. Friend realise that the specifications and standards laid down are so high and so difficult to meet that they completely exclude the use of British timber for this particular purpose? Will he not set up a committee to examine the whole of this question to see whether it would not be possible to use British timber for this purpose and facilitate and improve the situation very considerably?
§ Mr. MackesonI will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to that.