§ 6. Mr. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade why delay has occurred in arranging for the purchase by the Timber Control of softwood from Scandinavia; if he is aware that meanwhile timber merchants have been buying, advantageously, for other countries; and when he expects to be able to allow merchants to conduct the import trade for this country.
Mr. H. WilsonTimber Control, like any commercial buyers, buy when they consider it most advantageous to do so. Negotiations with Sweden have so far been inconclusive in view of the high prices which have been quoted. We have, however, reached agreement in Finland for the purchase of 225,000 standards. The prices are substantially below those paid by the foreign merchants referred to by the hon. Member. My intention is to revert softwood to private purchase as soon as I am satisfied that this can be done without injury to consumers.
§ Mr. HurdAs this State trade in softwood was obviously operating to our disadvantage, both in supply and price—about 10 per cent. on the wrong side—will the Minister do his utmost now to reach agreement with the timber importers so that we can free competition in buying our softwood next autumn?
Mr. WilsonIt is not so operating, and there is very good reason to believe that some of the increase in the Scandinavian prices mentioned by the hon. Gentleman were due to false rumours in Scandinavia that private buyers were to be let loose there this winter.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydDoes the right hon. Gentleman dispute the fact that towards the end of last year contracts were being entered into by importers on behalf of other nations at prices 10 to 12½ per cent. lower than those agreed by the Government?
Mr. WilsonIf the hon. and learned Gentleman is referring to Finland—or is he referring to Sweden?—I have already made it clear that the prices we are paying in Finland are cheaper than those quoted by his hon. Friend.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsAm I to understand from the reply that Governments buy only when it is disadvantageous?