HC Deb 13 July 1953 vol 517 cc1697-8
21. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Materials what estimate he has made of the savings in foreign currency used in purchasing substitute materials which would result from freeing the importation of softwood.

The Minister of Materials (Sir Arthur Salter)

The savings referred to by my hon. Friend of which I am not yet able to give a close estimate, are only one of a number of factors which must be taken into account in attempting to assess the net effect of removing softwood licensing upon our finances. These factors are all now being considered in the light of the probable increase in softwood consumption which is estimated to be about 230,000 standards a year.

Mr. Erroll

Can the Minister say when the report of the Committee on consumption and licensing of softwood will be available, as that would assist me in understanding his answer to my Question?

Sir A. Salter

From the study just completed by officials and representatives of the Timber Development Association, which was not constituted as a formal committee, it appears that if consumption licensing were removed, the total consumption of softwood, as I have just said, would be likely to rise by some 230,000 standards a year, but the full rise would not take place until the third year after the removal of licensing.

Mr. Erroll

Will the report be published?

Sir A. Salter

No, it was not a formal committee and the report was not in a form suitable for publication. They have given us the results of their study, from which I have given the main conclusions to my hon. Friend.