§ 41. Mr. Moreasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the interests of the home-grown timber trade are sufficiently represented in the present membership of the Forestry Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartThe Forestry Commissioners are appointed as individuals and not to represent specific interests. The Commissioners are closely in touch with the home trade through the Home Grown Timber Advisory Committee, which was specifically set up in order that the views of all sections of the industry should be available both to the Forestry Commission and to the forestry Ministers.
§ Mr. MoreWhen a new appointment to the Commission fell to be made last autumn, was there any prior consultation with the home-grown timber trade? As the appointment which was made left the home-grown trade unrepresented on the Commission, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to ensure that before any new appointment is made such consultation will be held?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Gentleman must appreciate that it has always been held that the members of the Forestry Commission should not represent specific interests. Incidentally, the person appointed has had 25 years' experience of the timber trade and took a degree in forestry at a university.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes my right hon. Friend realise that for the very reasons set out in this Question the Scottish home-grown timber trade is being prejudiced by foreign imports? Will he take steps to protect the Scottish homegrown timber trade?
§ Mr. PeartThat is another matter. The Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible for it, not me.