§ 43. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that the National Coal Board recently purchased a large supply of sawn hardwood mining timber from France, paying a higher price than would have been required for equivalent home-grown timber; and whether he will give a general direction to the Board to consult the Forestry Commission as to the availability of home-grown supplies on every occasion before placing large orders for imported timber.
§ Mr. GeorgeMy right hon. Friend understands that it is already the practice of the National Coal Board to consult the Forestry Commission before placing orders for the import of this sort of timber.