§ 38. Mr. Nabarroasked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what is the current position on stocks of softwood timber for housebuilding in the year 1952; and if he will give an assurance that adequate supplies are available in merchants' hands and elsewhere in the United Kingdom to meet all foreseeable demand for 1952 housebuilding arrangements.
§ Mr. HopkinsonPresent stocks of softwood are the highest since the war; and, together with authorised imports, they will provide enough softwood for the 1952 housing programme.
§ Mr. NabarroWill the hon. Gentleman give due recognition to the fact that the stock of softwood in the country, to meet the party's housing programme, is a direct result of the initiative displayed by private importers?
§ 39. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he will increase the supply of wood for making non-returnable cases for horticultural use.
§ Mr. HopkinsonHardwood and plywood are fully available for cases of any kind; but as far as softwood is concerned, I regret that none can at present be allowed.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that our horticulturists are very good horticulturists, but they cannot compete with foreigners on fair terms if they are unable to supply decent boxes of the kind used by foreigners.
§ Mr. HopkinsonI am well aware of the views of the industry, and when more softwood is available we shall bear it in mind.
Mr. W. M. F. VaneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is an ever-increasing amount of softwood in small sizes now available mainly but not wholly from the Forestry Commission's young plantations, 1563 and much of that now burned as firewood could be cut into boxwood, for this purpose, if only many more local sawmills had the requisite machinery? Will he look into the position again?