§ Mr. F. Harrisasked the Minister of Health if he will relax the restrictions on waste hardwood, lop, top and slab wood, for fencing, in view of the fact that supplies of this type of wood are plentiful and there is a very small outlet.
§ Mr. BottomleyI have been asked to reply. I am aware that in some parts of the country supplies of waste timber of this nature are relatively plentiful, but the potential demand for timber for fencing is very large indeed, and any relaxation would be likely to result in such pressure for material for the purpose as would endanger supplies for packing and other essential requirements. Licences are now granted more freely than hitherto for agricultural fencing and for the repair of other types of existing fencing, and if the hon. Member has a particular instance in mind where there is no outlet for supplies I will look into the matter if he will let me have particulars.