Mr. Vane:

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many poles, suitable for carrying overhead electricity lines, were obtained from Germany in the year 1946; and what increased numbers he expects to receive from the same source during 1947.

Shipment of poles from Germany commenced late in September, 1946, and 5,348 poles suitable inter alia for carrying overhead electricity lines were received during that year. 19,590 poles have been received from this source during the first five months of this year. It is not possible to make any precise estimate of arrivals during the latter half of the year, but we hope that they will continue at about the same rate as in the first part of the year.

Mr. Vane:

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied with that very small rate, and can he assure the House that steps are being taken to increase the supply in view of the almost unlimited quantity of such poles?

I understand that there are no unlimited quantities. That is one of the difficulties. There is timber suitable for other purposes, and we are doing our utmost to get all the poles we can.

Mr. Heath coat Amory:

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman make sure that a fair proportion of poles will be made available for electricity purposes?

That is being done at the present time.