HC Deb 17 December 1957 vol 580 c179
14. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what arrangements are made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for research into the use of timber.

Mr. H. Nicholls

Research into the use of timber is conducted mainly at the Forest Products Research Laboratory of D.S.I.R. and also by the research section of the Timber Development Associations and the Furniture Development Council, which are grant-aided by the Department.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

What activities of the Furniture Development Council are grant-aided by the D.S.I.R.?

Mr. Nicholls

The committee which undertakes the research and the dissemination of the information arising from that research. That is the section of the Furniture Development Council which is grant-aided.

Mr. Willey

Does the hon. Member recognise the need for research into an alternative to timber and not only for research into the trade itself?

Mr. Nicholls

Yes, but that does not arise out of this Question.