HC Deb 24 June 1952 vol 502 cc2022-3
24. Mr. Gibson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the continuing reduction in the stocks of softwood during this year, how he proposes to maintain the present output of houses and flats.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The decline in stocks during the first part of this year is the normal seasonal trend; the present level of stocks is high compared with previous years.

Mr. Gibson

Is the Minister aware—I am quite sure he is—that whereas imports of softwoods have dropped by 56,000 standards this year, the stock of softwood timber has dropped by 65,000 standards, and that, if that goes on during the rest of the year, there will be an end even to the present housing progress?

Mr. Macmillan

The hon. Gentleman has quoted statistics, but he has chosen them to prove, if I may venture to say so, a false point. In March, 1950, the stock was 278,000 standards; in March, 1951, a comparable period—and it is the last published figures I am giving—the stock was 202,000; and in March, 1952. It was 669,000. Therefore, I do not think it is quite fair to say it has dropped. The hon. Gentleman must compare each period of the year with the similar period of another year. Of course, timber is bought at certain periods of the year, and imported at certain periods, and used largely at certain other, periods. It is an important thing to keep up the flow.

Mr. Gibson

Is it not a fact that these increased stocks the right hon. Gentleman has referred to were ordered by the late Government, and that since this Government came into power the importation of softwood timber for houses has practically stopped?

Mr. Macmillan

I am still trying to explain to the hon. Gentleman that timber is largely imported on a seasonal basis. Trees are cut at certain seasons of the year. Timber is imported at certain periods of the year. He can compare only like with like, and one period of the year with the same period of another year.

Mr. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that the very satisfactory trend in softwood timber stocks in the last 12 months is the direct result of the busting of the Socialist buying monopoly and the restoration of private enterprise?

Mr. Macmillan

Also I am much encouraged by the fall in the price of timber.