§ 21. Mr. Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, on what evidence he bases his view that the setback in the market for homegrown timber, as borne out by the published figures for sales by the Forestry Commission, is only temporary.
§ Mr. SoamesDuring the next few years several new enterpryses for processing timber are likely to come into operation in Britain and these should stimulate demand for home-grown softwood thinnings. As to prices, those for home-grown timber are bound to be linked closely to the level 1303 of world prices, since we produce at home less than 10 per cent. of our present consumption of wood and wood products. Over the last twelve years, the average price of imported sawn softwoods, which is a good general indicator, has risen from about £54 per standard in 1950 to about £74 in 1962, an increase of about 37 per cent.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineWould not my right hon. Friend agree that the figures provided by the Forestry Commission indicate that during the last five years there has been a general tendency for prices of conifers to go down while the position of hard woods shows no great improvement? In these circumstances, will he take a look at the figures again to see whether they can be brought more into line?
§ Mr. SoamesI agree that there have been some falls in prices in recent years, but—and here one tries to forecast the future—this must be seen against the background of what appears to be a rise in world prices. The prices of oar timber must be affected by world prices as we import about 90 per cent. of what we use.
§ Mr. F. M. BennettAt what annual average rate is the loss or subsidy of the Commission running? Will this loss or subsidy be allowed to continue under the E.F.T.A. arrangements?
§ Mr. SoamesThat is a long way from the Question on the Order Paper. I would require notice of it.