HC Deb 19 March 1947 vol 435 cc387-8
18. Mr. Boothby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the shortage of wood, particularly larch and oak, in the boat-building industry, which is holding up the construction of much-needed fishing craft; and what steps he is taking to increase supplies.

Mr. W. Edwards

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. Owing to the timber shortage, the Admiralty's allocation of timber for the current quarter for the shipbuilding and boat-building industry is much less than the amount required by the industries for essential purposes. Every effort is made to increase supplies.

Mr. Boothby

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present shortage will not only prevent ex-Servicemen going to sea, but will deprive this country of valuable food, and even more valuable exports; and can he not make a better effort to divert wood for the purpose of completing fishing vessels?

Mr. Edwards

I am aware of all the difficulties of the shortage. So far as the builders of fishing vessels are concerned, they have a priority in connection with the Admiralty allocations for timber, in common with other sections of industry. The hon. Member can safely take it that we shall do all we possibly can. I am sure he realises there is a shortage which is affecting all kinds of industries.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that several shipyards in Scotland are threatened with complete closing down; that shipbuilders have written to me and to my hon. Friend in the course of the last two or three days to say that they expect to close down quite soon; and is not that a tragedy to be avoided, if possible?

Mr. Edwards

We are in close contact with all the shipyards in Scotland, and in England as well, and this is the first I have heard of a threatened closing down of any particular shipyard. If the hon. Member will give me any details in connection with a particular case I shall be only too glad to go into it.

Mr. Vane

Is the hon. Member aware that a large amount of oak which was planted 120 years ago specially for shipbuilding is now being cut into firewood?

Mr. Edwards

I am not aware of that.

Mr. Vane

It is a fact.

Mr. Boothby

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.