§ 46. Mr. Nigel Birchasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the value of timber exported to this country from the British zone in Germany from 1st January, 1946, till the latest date for which figures are available.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)The estimated value of timber exports to the United Kingdom from 1st January, 1946, to 14th September, 1946, is £515,000.
§ Mr. BirchDoes not that work out at just over £1,000 for every British person employed? In view of the fact that timber is not a weapon of war, does not the Minister think that this industry offers a very good case for pressing on with devolution in Germany?
§ Mr. HyndThe greater part of the timber production for export in Germany is being carried on by German manpower, but it is necessary that there should be British equipment, experts, vehicles, and so on, imported into Germany for the purpose of getting out the maximum amount of timber.
§ Sir W. WakefieldCould not some of the German experts now in this country be sent home for the purpose of assisting in this process?
§ Mr. HyndAll experts—or non-experts—who have any experience in timber are being released from prisoner-of-war camps to return to Germany for the purpose.