§ 8. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to consult the Forestry Commission as to the availability of home-grown supplies before the placing of large orders for imported timber either directly or through contractors.
§ Mr. HayNo, Sir. I understand that substantial sample orders have been placed for home-grown supplies as a result of consultation between the British Transport Commission and the home timber trade.
§ Mr. DigbyIs it not important that home producers should have an equal chance with producers of imported timber? Is my hon. Friend aware that this does not always happen?
§ Mr. HayOf course, they should have an equal chance, provided the wood is comparable with imported timber for the needs for which the Commission requires it. In his Question, my hon. Friend asks for a general direction. I am advised that this is not a suitable subject for a general direction, but the Commission is placing sample orders and has the wood under test.