§ 29. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what quantities of timber are now available in sawmills in Ayrshire; and why there is delay in granting the necessary licences for its release for municipal houses.
§ Mr. WoodburnI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards stocks generally, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 6th November to the hon. and gallant Member for East Grinstead (Colonel Clarke) by the Minister for Economic Affairs.
970 As regards the second part of the Question, the stocks of timber in the country must be set against the requirements of all services, and the issue of timber for housing depends on the allocation available for that purpose. I am not aware of any delay in issuing licences for timber within my Department's allocation, but I am prepared to inquire into any particular cases which the hon. Member may bring to my notice.
§ Mr. Emrys Hughesis the Minister aware that of 550 houses in Ayrshire requiring timber, only 142 have been granted timber, and will he inquire into this matter?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe main reason for adjusting the housing programme is because there is not enough timber in the country, nor can enough be brought into the country to satisfy all the demands for timber.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningCan my right hon. Friend say why it is, when there are stocks of timber both at the sawmills and with quota holders, that licences cannot be issue for houses which are partly completed and which will deteriorate in the bad weather if licences are not issued?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe timber coming into the country plus that which is in the country, is allocated to various needs. It cannot be given to any particular section without taking it from some other section, which would upset some other plan.