§ 68. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland upon what terms negotiations have been concluded with the National Coal Board for the purchase by the Board of timber suitable for pitwood blown in the gale on 31st January.
§ Mr. J. StuartI understand that agreement has been reached between the Home Timber Merchants' Association for Scotland and the Scottish Division of the National Coal Board covering deliveries and prices of pitwood for the Scottish pits for the period up to June, 1955. The prices are on a delivered price basis instead of free on truck as formerly, and vary according to specification. I am not in a position to give further particulars of the prices agreed, but I understand that the parties to the negotiations will shortly be issuing a statement for the information of all interested parties.
Negotiations have also been provisionally concluded between the Home 63W Timber Merchants' Association for Scotland and the National Coal Board for pitwood surplus to Scottish requirements being absorbed by mines in England and Wales.