HC Deb 03 May 1967 vol 746 cc517-8
14. Mr. Brewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what re duction there has been in prices for timber sold, felled, and standing, respectively, since 1960.

Mr. Peart

The average price obtained by the Forestry Commission for standing sales of softwood fell from Is. 5½d. per hoppus foot in 1960 to 1s. 4¾d. in 1966. The average price of timber felled and sold without further conversion by the Forestry Commission—which constitutes only a very small proportion of their sales—followed the same trend. Com- parable data for the private sector as a whole is not available.

Mr. Brewis

Does not this represent a serious situation and one which is shared by timber producers in Europe? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether a scheme in a European context could not be worked out for supporting timber prices?

Mr. Peart

I do not think that there is reason to expect a further decline. There has been a steady improvement since 1963, when the price was Is. ½. I do not think we should be too pessimistic. Of course I shall watch the situation very carefully now that forestry comes under my responsibility.

Sir C. Osborne

Is the Forestry Commission working at a profit or a loss, and how much either way?

Mr. Peart

That is another question.

Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

You should know.

Mr. Peart

I do know. [HON. MEMBERS: "Then answer."] Mr. Speaker continually rebukes even Ministers, and quite rightly, for straying to other ground.

Mr. Speaker

Order. We had better get back to equable questions on agriculture.