HC Deb 27 January 1959 vol 598 cc863-4
14. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to assist the Forestry Commission to dispose of the thinnings now coming from Scottish forests.

Lord John Hope

Although there have been local difficulties in the disposal of thinnings, these have not been on such a scale as to call for special measures. There will, however, be a gradual increase in the supplies of thinnings and the problem of finding the additional outlets which will eventually be required is actively engaging the attention of the Forestry Commissioners.

Mr. Willis

What is the hon. Gentleman's Department prepared to do to help in this matter?

Lord John Hope

Everything we can. The hon. Member will realise that in the first instance this is a matter for the Commission, but we shall do all we can to help.

16. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to use Scottish supplies of timber to promote the growth of timber-using industries in Scotland.

Lord John Hope

The Forestry Commission has in addition to normal marketing activities, sponsored investigations into the feasibility of establishing in Great Britain small-scale pulp, wood chipboard and wood fibre budding board plants. Reports on these studies are expected to be published within the next two or three months.

Mr. Willis

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that, in view of the difficulties which he indicated in answer to my previous Question on the subject, this is now becoming a matter of some urgency and ought to be treated as such? Is he aware that there will be great disappointment if the forestry programmes do not lead to the birth of a number of industries in Scotland, particularly the North of Scotland?

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as far back as 1950, during my own term of office, the Forestry Commission had practically concluded an arrangement for the establishment of a hardboard mill in Inverness, that consideration was given to a pulp mill in Argyllshire, where sufficient timber was estimated to be becoming available to keep a pulp mill going, and that there was also consideration of a furniture factory at Cannich? Is there any progress in any of this projects?

Lord John Hope

I could not say without notice whether there is any progress in these specific cases, but I would like to look them up, now that the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned them, and let him know.