§ 85 and 86. Mr. Glossopasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the allocation of 47,658 poles imported as suitable for the electricity supply industry, between the end of the war in Europe and 31st August, 1946, between the Post Office, other Government Departments and the electricity supply industry, respectively;
(2) the number of timber poles, suitable for the electricity supply industry, imported into this country during September, 100W 1946; and how many of these have actually been allocated to the electricity supply industry.
§ Mr. BelcherPoles, as imported, require to be seasoned and prepared before use, the period of time involved varying with the diameter and condition of the pole. The first imports of poles after the end of the war arrived in February, 1946, and are only just becoming ripe for preservative treatment. They, therefore, have not yet been allocated. Some 17,000 timber poles were imported into this country during September, 1946, for all essential requirements, including the electricity supply industry.
Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the 72,667 poles suitable for use in connection with the extension of electricity supplies, that were imported into this country between the end of the war in Europe and 31st August, 1946, were in fact allocated for this purpose; and if he will state to whom and for what purposes the balance were disposed.
§ Sir S. CrippsI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Howdenshire (Mr. Glossop).