HC Deb 26 May 1919 vol 116 cc798-9
3. Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether prices are fixed for certain classes of imported timber; whether such prices are considerably higher than the maxima which may be paid for home-grown timber; what is the average preference per cent. thus given to the foreigner; and if he will explain why the same conditions are not applied to both home and foreign timber?

Sir A. GEDDES

Prices are not fixed for timber generally, but there are fixed maxima for pitwood, both home-grown and foreign. The prices for home-grown pitwood are fixed to allow a reasonable profit on the basis of the fixed prices for standing timber in force until 31st March last; those for foreign pitwood include charges for freight, insurance, handling and exchange, and are the lowest at which supplies can be obtained from foreign sources.

Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESS

What is the object of giving this preference to the foreigner? Would it not encourage the timber industry more if these maxima were removed in England?

Sir A. GEDDES

The position is this, that the Government controlled prices of standing wood up to a date not very long ago, and there does not seem to be any reason to allow the prices in this country now to go up to a level of the prices which we have to pay for pitwood brought from abroad, with all the heavy charges on them, because at present it is known exactly what the profits are, and they are reasonable profits.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Is he aware that since these prices were fixed agricultural wages, which largely make up the cost of forestry, have been increased?

Sir A. GEDDES

I answered a question by my hon. and gallant Friend, I think it was, last week upon the relation of agricultural wages to the prices of pitwood, and I explained at that time that if it became necessary to reconsider the prices on the ground of wages reconsideration would be given.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

May I ask whether his Department are taking any steps to control profiteering in timber necessary for housing purposes?

Sir A. GEDDES

There is no control now in timber outside the very limited area of certain pitwoods. The general question of prices and profits touched upon by the hon. Member is a much bigger thing than merely referring to timber, and the whole of that question is under consideration.