§ 30. Mr. Oakshottasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will now restore the right 460 to buy retail small quantities of softwoods without a licence, which is at present prohibited under Statutory Instrument, 1949, No. 2093, the Control of Timber. No. 52 Order.
§ Mr. StokesNo, Sir. There are a number of essential requirements which must be met before we can make the relaxation suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. OakshottWill the Minister make sure that the necessity for the continuance of this restriction is very carefully watched? Is he aware that it does cause a great deal of inconvenience to small merchants and householders and ought to be removed as soon as the supply position warrants it?
§ Mr. StokesYes, I have the supply position under very careful consideration, and as soon as possible I hope to make some minor adjustment in the not too distant future.