HC Deb 12 December 1968 vol 775 cc573-5
Q1. Mr. Brewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will designate an existing junior Minister as Minister with special responsibilities for forestry.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

Ministerial responsibility for forestry rests in England with the Minister of Agriculture, and in Scotland and Wales with the respective Secretaries of State. Each of my right hon. Friends has, however, designated one of his junior Ministers to take a special interest in forestry matters.

Mr. Brewis

As imports of timber and paper pulp now exceed in value the exports of the motor industry, is not there an urgent need for a study of import substitution? Which Department would be responsible for such a study—the Board of Trade, the D.E.A. or the Treasury?

The Prime Minister

It is a matter for the general responsibility of the Government. This is one of the factors—another is the need for economic development in the Highlands and Islands—which has led us to increase the planting programme for the Forestry Commission.

Earl of Dalkeith

Is the Prime Minister aware that timber imports this year are running at the rate of £630 million? Does not he think that in terms of import substitution much more attention should be paid to this very serious matter by all the Departments and Ministers concerned, including the Board of Trade?

The Prime Minister

I share the noble Lord's concern about the level of such imports. That is why we have decided to increase the planting programme, but, as he knows, the time needed for any real return in import substitution is considerable in the case of forestry.

Mr. Manuel

Will my right hon. Friend consider the run-down in the number of forestry workers? I have been reliably informed that they have been run down by about 2,000, mostly in Scotland. Will he initiate discussions between the responsible Ministers to see why this is happening?

The Prime Minister

It is true that as a result of improvements in productivity in forestry the Commission has decided gradually to reduce the retirement age of foresters from 65 to 60. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has already explained that they will receive the appropriate pension and lump sum. We have an increased planting programme and an increased cutting programme, but because of increased productivity a smaller labour force is required.