§ 75. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the stocks of timber in the country are improving; and if it is now possible to meet all demands in this direction as far as the housing programme is concerned.
§ Mr. BelcherStocks of timber in this country are improving and provision has been made for more timber to be made available for housing in the current quarter.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIn view of the continuing shortage, which in some areas is holding up the building of houses, will the Minister see to it that no timber is used for the erection of stands or structures on the route along which the Royal marriage procession will pass?
§ Mr. BelcherWe do our best to ensure that the timber is directed into the most profitable channels. If the hon. Member has any case in mind where the timber is being misused, and he will let me have details, I will look into it.
Mr. VaneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of timber which could be used for constructional purposes is being used for firewood because the farcical controls put on by his Department are ineffective?
§ Mr. BelcherI am not aware of it. If the hon. Member will do as I asked the hon. Member for Jarrow (Mr. Fernyhough) to do, and let me have specific examples, I shall be only too pleased to look into them.