§ Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that one of his officers, Mr. Gates, attached to the Contracts Department of the Air Ministry, is negotiating to buy English ash trees unsawn at 7s. 6d. per cubic foot; for what purpose are these required; and whether he is aware that the Timber Supply Department of the Board of Trade has recently sold all the surplus aircraft ash at 5s. 6d. per cubic foot, sawn into planks?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo negotiations are in progress for the purchase suggested in the question. Arrangements are, however, being made for the transfer of a quantity of selected ash planks from the Controller of Timber Supplies to the Air Ministry.