Utility Furniture

HC Deb 26 November 1946 vol 430 cc269-70W

86. Sir G. Fox

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he anticipates receiving the recommendations of the subcommittee set up by the British Furniture Manufacturers' Federated Associations to study the problem of woodworm in utility furniture; and when the results of such recommendation will be made available to the trade.

Mr. Marquand

The Board of Trade have had several discussions with the British Furniture Manufacturers' Federated Associations. The conclusion reached was that the only sure remedy was to prohibit the use of sapwood in the manufacture of utility furniture. Further investigation, however, suggests that it may not be necessary to cut out all the sapwood since it may be possible to identify those parts of it which are susceptible to attack and to eliminate those only. We are now examining the possibility, before finally deciding what action should be taken.

92. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the alarm which is felt by manufacturers of utility furniture as a result of the total cut in June allocations of timber by 50 per cent., he will make a full statement on timber supplies for the industry in the future, in order to satisfy the manufacturers and the public that, if the situation has worsened, it is due to causes over which he has no control.

100. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to increase the supply of timber to utility furniture makers.

Mr. Marquand

A full statement on this subject was published in the "Board of Trade Journal" on 23rd November. I would ask the hon. Members to study that statement, which will, I think, give them all the information they require.

Mr. T. Brown

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken by his Department to improve the supply of suitable timber to the furnishing trades, especially those engaged on the manufacture of utility furniture.

Sir S. Cripps

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to similar Questions on this subject today.