§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present prospects for the commercial nurseries and the timber industry as a whole; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RossI am aware of the concern that has been expressed about the present state of the forest and timber industries. The contributory causes include the general state of the national economy and the depressed condition of the timber trade here and in Europe. Confidence and the level of investment can be expected to improve with an upturn in the economy as a whole.