§ 39. Mr. Nabarroasked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether he will state the number of persons employed in the Timber Control of the Ministry of Materials, including all regional and area offices in the United Kingdom; and the total estimated cost of this personnel during the year ending 5th April, 1952, including all overhead and administrative charges attributed to the Timber Control of the Ministry of Materials.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe number of persons employed in the Timber Control on 1st November, 1951, was 822.
The total estimated cost of staff during the year ending 5th April, 1952, is £450,000.
I should add that the reversion of softwood buying to private trade will enable a further reduction to he made next year.