§ 9. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that applications by Aberdeen Fish Curers and Merchants Association for necessary fish boxes which have been approved by the Fish Division of the Ministry of Food, have been refused by the Timber Control of his Department, and that unless this is rectified and the supply of boxes is continued as in the past that association's factory will have to close down with consequent unemployment; and whether, as the matter is urgent, he will have it rectified with speed.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI have received my hon. and learned Friend's letter about this matter. As the hon. Member for South Aberdeen (Lady Grant) was informed on 20th April, these applications were rejected on currency grounds. Since the requirements can be met by boxboards cut from timber already in stock in this country the expenditure of the foreign currency concerned would not be justified. I have arranged that the area officer of the Timber Control will give any necessary help in locating supplies of home manufactured boxboards, and no question of unemployment should arise for that reason.