THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government if they are aware that the 1947 show of the Highland and Agricultural Society, due to take place in Inverness, may have to be cancelled, unless the Ministry of Supply provides the necessary timber for the palisading and stands; and whether, in view of the great importance of the show, and considering that nearly all the wood required could be later used again for other purposes, 590WA they will issue the appropriate permits forthwith.
§ LORD WESTWOODMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland fully realizes the importance of the Highland Show in the agricultural interest. It is with great reluctance that, after very careful consideration, he has felt unable to recommend the release of the large quantity of timber which would be required for the purposes of a show next year. In view of the overriding urgency of the housing problem in Scotland, he feels that he would not be justified at the present time in reducing, even temporarily, the available supply of timber for housing.