§ 1. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will set up a Departmental inquiry to examine methods of assisting timber-using industry in development areas where forestry is a major local industry.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. George Darling)Timber-using industries wishing to establish themselves, or to expand in development areas, are eligible for the full range of incentives available in those areas. I see no reason for a special inquiry.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithBut is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this case we are talking of industries which not only give employment in development areas but utilise home-produced products and at the same time help to save imports?
§ Mr. DarlingYes, I appreciate that. We should like to see timber-using industries established in the North-East of Scotland, and other parts of Scotland, too, but we think that this must rest on the commercial judgment of the firms concerned. We shall then give them all the help we possibly can.
§ Mr. BrewisWill not the 100-mile limit have a very adverse effect on these industries? Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations that it be raised to at least 200 miles for the North of Scotland?
§ Mr. DarlingI do not think that it will have the kind of effect which the hon. Gentleman envisages, but I shall see that his views are conveyed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.