34. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the Forestry Commission has arranged with the Powell Duffryn Company Limited, South Wales, that that company should act as the Commission's agent in buying timber which it will market as pit props for the National Coal Board; and if he will make a statement upon the recent deal made.
Mr. WatkinsI am very glad to have that reply, and I hope that the "Western Mail" will take note of it.
35. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his policy regarding the sale direct to the National Coal Board or other nationalised undertakings of timber from the Forestry Commission.
Mr. AmoryIt is for the Commission to make such arrangements as it thinks fit for the sale of its timber. Its normal policy is to sell standing timber to merchants. Prepared produce is sold to undertakings such as the National Coal Board either through merchants or direct.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that the sales department of the Forestry Commission in South Wales will still continue to sell timber to the National Coal Board, and will not be acting through interested agents?
Mr. AmoryI tried to indicate that it is really a matter for the Forestry Commission itself to decide its precise methods of sale, but, as regards its prepared produce, it sells it either through merchants or direct, whichever it finds convenient.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThere is a suggestion in South Wales that a monopoly has been given to this company. Will the right hon. Gentleman keep his eye on this matter?