§ 7. Mr. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now announce the date from which the timber trade will be allowed to resume the purchase in Scandinavia and elsewhere of softwood of suitable quality for the building trade and other requirements.
§ Mr. H. WilsonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HurdDoes not the Minister recognise that so long as he continues the Timber Control and the centralised buying of timber we are losing the practical experience of timber importers who know what is really needed?
§ Mr. WilsonNo, Sir. Although plans are being made for the ultimate reversion of softwood to private purchasers I am satisfied that the time for doing that has not yet been reached.