§ Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Supply what consultation there was with the trade associations in this country before he decided to establish Associated Boards, Limited, to deal with the distribution of fibreboard; how many 183W of the nine companies who are shareholders in Associated Boards, Limited, are controlled by firms registered in countries other than the United Kingdom; and what addition to costs is made by Associated Boards, Limited, to meet its overhead expenses?
§ Sir A. DuncanTrade associations were not consulted, but all the firms recently engaged in importing wallboards from the present overseas sources of supply were consulted and are members of the company. Four of the members are, I understand, connected with firms registered either in North America or Sweden, but I am not aware to what extent they are controlled by such firms. The company is remunerated for its services as the Ministry's agent at the rate of 10s. per ton of board received into store and £2 5s. per ton delivered to purchasers.