asked the Minister of Supply what provision exists for consultation between the Timber Controller and furniture manufacturers on matters affecting their business; whether a statement of Government policy has been made regarding the availability of timber for furniture manufacturers; and, if so, what consultation took place with them, on that occasion, beforehand?

Arrangements have been made for consultation between the furniture manufacturers and the Timber Controller or his local officers as and when occasion arises. The position regarding the availability of timber for such manufacturers was explained by the Controller to representatives of the furniture trade associations on the 24th January, and the statement was repeated two days later in a conference with the Press. A report regarding the Press Conference appears, among other places, in the Timber Trades Journal of the 3rd February.