Mr. Vane:

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what basis and according to what priorities, the surplus equipment of the home-grown timber supply and production branches of his Department is being disposed of.

Surplus equipment of the Home Timber Production Department is disposed of on bases agreed with the Ministry of Supply, the disposal Department. In general the price is taken as cost less depreciation, but factors such as the cost of major repairs are taken into account. Equipment is not regarded as surplus until the needs of the North German Timber Control and of the home timber trade have been met, but the future handling of redundant equipment is now being considered with the Ministry of Supply.

Mr. Vane:

Can the President say whether the timber merchants and growers have any priority in the acquisition of this equipment?

It is not regarded as surplus until the needs of the home timber trade have been met.