HC Deb 09 February 1953 vol 511 cc16-7
23. Mr. Gibson

asked the Minister of Materials the stocks of imported softwoods in October, 1951, January, 1952, and November, 1952.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Henry Strauss)

On account of the illness of my right hon. Friend I have been asked to reply to this and other Questions.

Stocks of imported softwood, excluding sleepers and crossings, poles and mining timber, amounted to 613,325 standards at 31st October, 1951, 729,199 standards at 31st January, 1952, and 638,437 standards at the end of November, 1952.

Mr. Gibson

Is the Minister aware that the figures which he has given me are completely different from the figures published in the Digest of Statistics? Which are right?

Mr. Strauss

I think the hon. Gentleman will find that the latest copy of the Digest of Statistics is only just on sale. He may not have seen it.

Sir H. Williams

In view of the forest disaster in Scotland, will my hon. and learned Friend see that steps are taken at the earliest possible date to reinforce our supplies of softwood by taking care of the vast number of trees which have fallen?

Mr. Strauss

I think my hon. Friend will find that there is a later Question on that subject.

25. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Materials if he will make a statement on the stocks of softwood timber held by the timber trade and the Government: and if the prospective supplies will soon allow some easing of the restrictions on the use of softwoods.

Mr. H. Strauss

Stocks of imported softwood held by the timber trade and the Government at the end of November, 1952 (the latest date for which figures are published), amounted to 638,437 standards.

My right hon. Friend regrets that this does not make it possible to ease the restrictions on the consumption of softwood. They are maintained in order that our imports of softwood, which practically all come from non-sterling countries, are kept to a figure which we can afford.

Mr. Hurd

Will my hon. and learned Friend ask the Minister of Materials to look afresh at the restrictions on the use of small quantities of softwood timber. which are involving many people in a great deal of irksome form filling to very little advantage to anyone?

Mr. Strauss

I will bring what my hon. Friend says to the notice of the Minister.

Sir L. Ropner

Will my hon. and learned Friend give an assurance that the Department will be prepared to ease restrictions on the consumption of softwood in view of the enormous quantities lying on the ground all over the country at present?

Mr. Strauss

I will certainly bring what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has said to the notice of the Minister, but I cannot go beyond what I said in my original statement today.