§ 87. Mr. CROOKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the importation of furniture wood from Sweden is prohibited whilst the importation of wood-wool is permitted; whether he is aware that 1 ton of wood-wool takes up as much room as 10 tons of any hard-wood; and will he explain the reason for the differentiation?
Mr. HARCOURTThe prohibition of imports extends both to furniture woods and to wood manufactures. Wood-wool is not at present regarded as prohibited under the latter head, but I shall be happy 340 to consider any evidence with which my hon. Friend can furnish me showing that an appreciable amount of tonnage space would be saved if its import were prohibited, and that it is an article which can be dispensed with.