HC Deb 04 May 1953 vol 515 cc1-3
1. Mr. Fell

asked the Minister of Materials whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the date of ending the system of consumer licensing for softwood timber.

The Minister of Materials (Sir Arthur Salter)

No, Sir. As practically all our softwood comes from non-sterling countries I see no early prospect of abandoning control of its consumption.

Mr. Fell

Does the Minister realise that in many of their contracts the Government specify the use of costly hardwood where softwood could be used? Does he further realise that the view of the timber trade and of the consuming industries is that any immediate increase following upon the getting rid of this restriction would be small, and, by reducing the amount of costly substitutes used, would be in the overall interests of the nations?

Sir A. Salter

I am aware that in some cases the restriction in the use of softwood results in more expensive hardwood being used; but I would remind my hon. Friend that last year we spent no less than £95 million in foreign exchange on the import of softwood. I am very closely in touch with the trade, working on a joint committee with them, to see whether, without removing the general control, we can remove the prohibition on some particular uses.

6. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Materials what new contracts for the purchase of foreign softwood have been signed in the last two months.

Sir A. Salter

Softwood is imported on private account. Returns for the period mentioned are not available, but I understand that contracts for 71,626 standards of sawn softwood and sleepers were made during March.

Major Anstrutber-Gray

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that full and proper account has been taken of the homegrown softwood blown down in the gale?

Sir A. Salter

Certainly, Sir. My hon. and gallant Friend must remember that 95 per cent. of the softwood we use in this country is imported, and that of the remaining 5 per cent. the softwood blown down in the gale is a small fraction. Therefore, it is not really relevant to consider stopping the importation of softwood with a view to dealing with a relatively small problem which has been dealt with as regards over two-thirds by a single arrangement with the Railway Executive.