HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 c2493
21. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give details of the agreement reached recently with Canada for supplies of timber.

Sir H. Shawcross

An agreement has been reached between Timber Control and softwood exporters in British Columbia, which provides for about 340,000 standards of softwood for shipment to this country up to the end of June, 1952.

Mr. Russell

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that everything possible is being done to increase imports of timber from Canada, and to get them back on a pre-war footing?

Sir H. Shawcross

Yes, Sir, we are anxious to obtain all the timber that we can acquire, and it is believed that the amount that we are obtaining under this and other contracts is the total capacity available at present.

Mr. Oakshott

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, while that news is very welcome, the softwood supplies are still by no means sufficient for the country's requirements? Will he therefore bear in mind a Question we had earlier today, and hurry up the conversations with Sweden?