§ 33. Lord John Hopeasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the value of the furniture to be imported into this country under arrangements with Canada and Norway; and the value of our total imports of timber suitable for furniture during the past three months.
§ Sir S. CrippsWe hope to be able to import from Canada about £250,000 908 worth. I am not at present considering the importation of any furniture from Norway. During the last three months, we imported hardwoods to the value of £1¾ million and plywood to the value of about £2 million. A considerable proportion of both hardwoods and plywood would be suitable for furniture.
§ Lord John HopeIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied with the policy of importing made-up furniture while furniture manufacturers in this country are being refused permission to make furniture because of the scarcity of materials?
§ Sir S. CrippsYes Sir. We cannot import the timber, but there are one or two pockets where we can get furniture, and, in order to relieve the needs of the civilian population of this country for furniture, I think we should do all we can to get it in immediate supply.
39. Mr. Manningasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will indicate an approximate date when the hon. Member for North Camberwell can expect an answer to his letter of 9th November last in respect of an application for dockets for utility furniture, etc., made by Mrs. Vallis, 16, Barkworth Road, S.E.16, who was allotted a prefabricated bungalow by her local authority last autumn.
§ Sir S. CrippsThere have been certain complications about this case, but I will write to my hon. Friend about it this week