HC Deb 24 January 1968 vol 757 cc400-1
14. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to promote the use of available home-grown timber, in view of the need to save on imports, which cost about £500 million a year for timber and timber products before devaluation increased the cost in terms of foreign currency.

Mr. John Mackie

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland said on 11th December, devaluation should help to make the prices of homegrown timber more competitive with those of imported timber. I hope that the industry will take full advantage of the opportunities which this presents.

Mr. Digby

Does the Minister realise that there is immense scope for saving imports here, mostly from countries that have a very unfavourable balance of trade with us? Will he initiate action to try to get positive results in import-saving?

Mr. Mackie

The Forestry Commission appreciates this point. Less than 10 per cent. of our home-grown timber can be used for this purpose, which is not an immense saving. The state of our forests at present does not lend itself to much quick cutting, but we appreciate the worth of home-grown timber, as shown by the Fort William Mills, the new mill at Workington and so on. We are giving considerable encouragement.

Mr. Manuel

Will my hon. Friend use his good offices with the Post Office to see that much more home-grown timber is used for its requirements? I understand that a large amount of the timber it uses is imported.

Mr. Mackie

If home-grown timber can supply the needs of the Post Office I shall take up my hon. Friend's point.

Mr. Stodart

Is the Minister aware of the great urgency that has developed since the Question was put down as a result of the gale which swept Scotland last week? Will he and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland co-operate urgently to beseech the National Coal Board to cut down all its imports and to take blown timber if it meets the necessary specifications?

Mr. Mackie

I shall do that. If I remember rightly, that was done after the great "blow" of 1953.