82. Mr. Vaneasked the President of the Board of Trade what reduction in the staff of the Home Grown Timber Department of his Department has been made since VJ-Day; and what further early reductions he is considering.
§ Sir S. CrippsFigures are not available as at the exact dates in the Question. Between 1st July and 1st October, however, the numbers employed in the Home Timber Production Department fell by 1,188, a reduction of 8.5 per cent. The arrangements now being worked out to obtain supplies of timber from Germany should enable further substantial reductions to be made, but it would be premature to give estimates as to the rate of reduction.
Mr. VaneCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether it is the intention to maintain in peacetime a Home Grown Timber Supply Department at all comparable to that maintained during the war?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt will be necessary as long as the present acute shortage exists.