§ 74 and 82. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what quantity of softwood, suitable for housing, he expects to be imported from Canada during 1951;
(2) what total quantity of softwood he expects to be imported from Canada during 1951.
§ The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. Bottomley)I cannot give an exact forecast, but I expect our total 1951 imports from Canada of softwood, including those suitable for housing, very considerably to exceed the pre-war average.
§ Colonel HutchisonCan the hon. Gentleman differentiate, at any rate approximately, between the two types of softwood to be used for housing and for other purposes?
§ Mr. BottomleyNo, Sir, but I gather there will be no interference with softwood required for housing purposes.
Mr. VaneIs it anticipated that we shall be able to purchase all the softwood from Canada that they are able to offer?
§ Mr. BottomleyWe are taking all the softwood from Canada that we require.