§ 30. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister what proportion of the German Empire is afforested; what proportion of the population of Germany is employed directly or indirectly in connection with the German forests; what is the total value of the unmanufactured wood and timber annually imported into this country; and what arrangements have been made for securing the supply of a substantial part of such wood and timber imports from Germany in discharge of her liabilities to Great Britain under the Treaty of Versailles?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have only just seen this question, but the answer, I take it, refers to Germany as constituted before the War. Of the territory in Europe which belonged to the German Empire, about a quarter was covered by woods and forests. The number of persons employed in connection with forestry and hunting in Germany was, in 1907, about 126,000 or rather less than one-half of one per cent, of the persons occupied in industry in Germany in that year. The total value of unmanufactured wood and timber imported into the United Kingdom from all countries during the year 1921, was £30,000,000. Arrangements for the supply of timber on reparation account are now the subject of discussion between the Allies and the German Government.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter seriously having regard to the fact that in 1921 we imported nearly £30,000,000 of raw wood?
§ The following is the statement:
§ between the Allies and the German Government.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYWould not the necessary effect of this proposal upon the home timber trade be that a number of people would be thrown out of employment?