Two Maior Associations Ask Complete Poll on ALS Change

Nawtai

The National-American Wholesale Lumber Association has asked the Department of Commerce to poll the group's entire membership-rather than just 20 percent of it-in obtaining industry opinion on proposed lumber size changes as related to moisture content.

The wholesale association has 321 members who handle I4.7 bi]lion board feet of lumber annually-eqtaI to 42 percent of all lumber consumed in the U. S. last year' vo'On request by the Department of Commerce," stated Mulrooney, "we submitted a comprehensive list blanketing out segments oI the industry as thoroughly as possible, and it was our understanding that all would be polled. Now we are told the poll will cover only 20 percent o{ our list, or 200 names, which' ever is less, We urge the Department of Commerce to reconsider and to devise a plan which would give all interested parties an opportunity to be heard."

J. J. Mulrooney, executive vice-president of the nationwide organization, declared that a one-fitth sample could not provide an accurate opinion of America's wholesalers who have a great stake in the proposed changes.

Other Western lumber organizations are also seeking to have the Department o{ Commerce poll expanded to cover the industry as completely as possible.

The proposed size changes have been one of the most discussed industry actions in recent years, and seek to make sure all lumber is the same size once finally in place on a job, whether it was shipped dry or unseasoned.

The concept has gained widespread support, but some individuals and groups have objected to certain details as outlined in the proposals. Contrary to some erroneous reports, the NationalAmerican Wholesale Lumber Association has not yet taken a position.

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It would be extremely difficult for the major industry trade groups to submit a partial list of members to the U. S. Department of Commerce to determine the acceptance of changes in American Lumber Standards, G. C. Edgett, executive vice president of the West Coast Lumbermen's Association, has stated.

The U. S. Department of Commerce has proposed a 20 percent sampling of lumber producing and lumber user trade associations. Since 200 trade groups are sampled, this would reduce the volume of ballots to be counted.

Edgett has made a counter proposal, which is being considered by the department. In a letter to A. V. Astin, director of the U. S. Department of Commerce national bureau of standards, which will conduct the survey, Edgett made these proposals:

(1) that each major trade association be permitted to use the government response form for a poll of its entire membership;

(2) that each association supply a notarized statement as to the total number of respondents in favor of and opposed to the proposed changes and total production of both groups;

(3) that each association further supply a composite list of reasons for the individual positions that are taken.

Edgett told Astin that his proposal would create a considerable amount of extra work for the major trade associations, but he said it was preferable to supplying a partial list of members of the West Coast Lumbermen's Association and the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau.