§ Mr. ATKEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Timber Supply Department on 20th September last offered to the Corporation of Nottingham a quantity of hard wood scantlings cut into sizes suitable for wood paving blocks, and received an order for 15,000 cubic feet of sweet chestnut planks at 3s. 6d. per cubic foot; whether payment in advance was demanded, and a sum of £s2,626 forwarded on 5th November; whether only two-thirds of the order has yet been executed, and that 15 per cent. thereof is absolutely unfit for the purpose of being cut into wood blocks; whether the timber offered to the Nottingham Corporation has been sold to another firm, and in particular when it is proposed to complete the order; whether a cash payment will be made for the rejected timber; and what rate of interest will be allowed upon the money retained by the Government during the time the goods have remained undelivered?
§ Sir A. GEDDESBefore the Armistice an order was placed by the Corporation of Nottingham for wood to make paving blocks, payment being made in advance as usual at that date with purchases from the Timber Supply Department. Delivery was at first delayed, by difficulty in getting trucks, and afterwards on account of the demobilisation of the Canadian Forestry Corps who were executing the order. Owing to a misunderstanding a part of the timber intended for Nottingham was sup-plied for urgent wagon repairs. Some of the timber supplied has proved unsuitable, and the Corporation were offered an allowance, but refused, and the Department are arranging to remove it. Oak was offered but declined. Special arrangements have been made by which it is hoped to complete this order within a few weeks with wood which can be inspected before dispatch if desired.