§ Mr. ATKEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Timber Supply Department have failed to complete the order for timber which was placed with them by the Nottingham Corporation in September, 1918, and for which £2,625 was paid on the 5th November, 1918, and that the special arrangement stated to have been made on 28th May, 1919, to complete the order within a few weeks have not materialised, and that a truck of timber has now arrived which is 6 ins. wide instead of 3 ins. and of no use whatever for wood paving purposes, and that it has been sent in small lengths of 3 ft. which is useless for cutting into wood blocks in consequence of the heavy waste incurred in cutting up short lengths; whether he is now prepared to complete the order in accordance with the original conditions; and what rate of interest will be allowed to the corporation upon the money retained by the Government during the time the goods have remained undelivered?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe order referred to was completed on 23rd August last, but I understand that a certain quantity of the timber was rejected. Steps are being taken to replace this as rapidly as possible. I am informed that the truck of timber referred to by my hon. Friend was consigned in error. I doubt whether any liability for interest would attach to the Department.