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does not permit white pocket in panels carrying DFPA stamps.

"The industry has taken this position," Agnew continued, "pending the development of known structural values and other data on white pocket veneer. We sponsored FPL's research to get that information on a scientific basis from an unimpeachable source.

"On the basis of this research we know that properly controlled white. pocket veneer can be used without impairing quality. But it is obvious that the present standard must b--e amended to admit this type of malerial.

"Ij ii equally obvious-that any grading rules observed by the.industry must specify the lihitation-on white pocket in such a way that there can be no question of rnjhat,s involved. The aim is a structurally uniiorm product that can be used anywhere plywood is recommended from box beams to subfloors.

"This is essential to the public interest, to the tracle buyer and to the builders who work with our products.,, _Agne.w reported that producers accounting firr over 70/o of production a.re on record as supporting" tne proposed amendments and that most trade buyii.s bacf this view.

Manufacturers accounting for about 90% of the industry's total output subscribe to the association for which Agnew speaks. I ast year their combined production was 6.2 blllion sq. ft. (3/8-inch basis) and estimates are that sales in 1959 will be close to 7 billion feet.

New FHA MPS's Bcrr Self-€ertificotion

Douglas Fir Plywood Association calls the. attention of trade buyell_ ?nd builders this month to an important change_in FHA's Minimum Property Standards thlt may affect their operations.

The new MPS, which becomes effective in Aoril. bars self-certified plywood from structural applications in homes carrying FHA-insured mortgages. Th-is means that ply- wood used in FHA homes must bear the stamp of an-ap- proved testing agency indicating conformance with the Commercial Standard for fir plywood, CS45-55.

A number of manufacturers have been labeling panels as in conformance with CS45-55. According to Neil- Connor, director of FHA's architectural standards division, this will t.to longer be satisfactory. He said FHA included this revision in the new MPSis because of the increasing number of failures encountered in low-grade plywood -in FHA housing over the past several yeais.

DFPA has been testing and inspecting fir plywood for more than 20 years. Its stampJ are pbsitivt assurance of conformanie with the reqdiremenis for plywood outlined in CS45-55 and in some instances DFpA's requirements are stiffer.

Mills subscribing to DFPA's testing and inspection ac-