§ Mr. J. Whiteasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that schemes of rural electrification are being held up by the shortage of suitable poles; that there are large supplies of suitable poles in the British zone in Germany; and whether, in conjunction with the appropriate Departments, he will arrange to have supplies brought to this country.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am aware that there is a shortage of poles. There are trees suitable for poles in the British Zone, but, with the very serious limitations in transport facilities, it will not be possible to give priority to deliveries of poles to this country at the expense of timber for housing and for the mines.