asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that timber merchants are refusing to supply certain grades of plywood in quantities of more than £15 at a time, irrespective of the amount they have in stock, so as to be able to charge the extra 20 per cent. allowed by the Timber Order (No. 1) for quantities of less than that amount and what he is doing to prevent this?

I am not aware of any general abuse of the provision of the Control of Timber (No. 1) Order referred to by the hon. Member. As I stated in my reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Handsworth (Commander Locker-Lampson) on 15th November, I shall be glad to receive particulars of any case of suggested evasion of this provision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases affecting furniture manufacturers who are performing Government contracts which involve large purchases, but are not able to take delivery unless in lots of £15 and under in order that the 20 per cent. increase shall be collected?

I am not so aware, but if the hon. Gentleman has any case of that kind I shall be particularly glad to receive the details and look into them.