§ 22. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what research is being carried out in Great Britain with a view to establishing the profitable use of larch from Scottish woodlands in the pulp industry.
§ Mr. WillisI understand that tests by the pulp industry itself have indicated that larch can be used in varying proportions with other types of timber for certain pulping processes. The Forest Products Research Laboratory is also planning a research project on the pulping properties of larch.
§ Sir J. GilmourWould the Minister of State consult urgently with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology about recent research in the United States which has shown that larch is considerably used and is better than spruce for certain sections of the pulp industry, as this would be of great interest to the Highlands?
§ Mr. WillisI understand that research work is already being carried out on this, as I indicated in my Answer, and that the Forest Products Research Laboratory is investigating the timber properties of home-grown larch and its possible use in industries other than the pulp industry.
§ Mr. ManuelWill my right hon. Friend make sure that larch is not used by the pulp industry if it can be more profitably sold for pit props, telephone poles and other uses for which it commands a greater price?
§ Mr. WillisThat is a matter for the industry.