HC Deb 10 July 1947 vol 439 cc2422-3
41. Mr. Sparks

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to secure imports of softwood timber from Poland and hardwoods from Burma and Borneo.

Sir S. Cripps

In the recent Anglo-Polish trade negotiations we have pressed strongly for a resumption of exports of softwood from Poland to the United King-dam; owing to the great need for softwood timber for reconstruction in Poland, the Polish Government does not feel able to release any for export at present but has undertaken to inform us should the position change. In both Burma and Borneo the production of hardwood has been seriously reduced as a result of war devastation and requirements for local reconstruction still further limit the amounts available for export. We are, however, purchasing all suitable supplies offered from these countries, either as logs or as sawn timber.

42. Mr. Sparks

asked the President of the Board of Trade why softwood timber imports from the U.S.S.R. and the Baltic States, Finland and Sweden have considerably declined; and what imports may be expected in the remaining months of this year from the countries named.

Sir S. Cripps

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement published in the "Board of Trade Journal" of 29th March, of which I am sending him a copy. Shipments in the first five months of this year were well below shipments in the same months of the preceding year, but the shipping season from North Europe opened much later this year and figures for the first five months give no indication of annual supplies. Regarding the latter part of the Question, a statement on prospective supplies from the U.S.S.R. cannot be made, until the conclusion of the negotiations at present being conducted by the Secretary for Overseas Trade in Moscow. Arrangements have been made for the supply of 175,000 standards of regular specifications from Finland and a similar quantity from Sweden.

Mr. Sparks

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the negotiations taking place in Moscow at the present time are on the basis of a short-term agreement for imports or are they in addition based on a long-term agreement for progressive increases in imports?

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid my hon Friend will have to await the results.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Will the amounts of timber mentioned include that which was supposed to be coming against the 5,900 tons of rubber delivered to the U.S.S.R.?

Sir S. Cripps

I have not mentioned any quantities of timber as regards the U.S.S.R.