HC Deb 11 June 1969 vol 784 cc1449-50
31. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest position concerning the clearing of wind-blown timber.

44. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the timber blown down in the January 1968 gale still remains to be cleared both in Forestry Commission and in private woodlands.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

At 31st March, 46 per cent. of the Forestry Commission's timber and 51 per cent. of the timber in the private sector had been cleared and despatched to markets. On the recommendation of the Windblow Action Group, I have agreed that the transport allowances which were due to end on 30th September should be extended to 31st December.

Mr. Stodart

Is the Minister aware that we are, therefore, falling even further behind with the programme? In December of last year, if the programme was to be completed by September, it required an increase of 6 per cent. every month, and we are far behind that. Will it not be two years instead of 18 months before we get this job done, very largely due to the inevitable complacency which the hon. Gentleman insists on showing?

Dr. Mabon

I think that is a most unworthy remark.

I accept that we have been disappointed to some extent by the progress so far. We have been very short of labour, as the hon. Gentleman knows, but we expect that most of the timber will be cleared by the spring of 1970. As the hon. Gentleman also knows, the risk of fungal and insect damage in the winter is pretty negligible.

Sir J. Gilmour

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied about the spring of next year being the last date and 31st December as the right date for ending the transport subsidy?

Dr. Mabon

These are our aims, in view of what was mentioned earlier about pledges and targets. We can only rely on those working there to try to help us. The claims for movement on the concessions so far have been 142,000 tons of saw logs and 27,000 tons of chipwood and pulp at a total cost of £132,000. But I take the point and will look into it.

Earl of Dalkeith

Is the Minister aware that last year imports of all forms of timber were at the staggeringly high figure of £643 million? Does he realise that investment grants for harvesting machinery for forestry produce would go a long way immediately to assisting our balance of payments position?

Dr. Mabon

I do not mind the hon. Gentleman making the point, but it is fast becoming like King Charles's head. I have no doubt that we shall discuss this matter again.

Mr. Manuel

Concerning the sale of wind-blown timber, will the Minister of State inform the House whether there are any difficulties being met in disposing of it and whether wind-blown timber of the size needed is being taken up in the areas near enough to the pulp mill?

Dr. Mabon

There is no lack of demand for wind-blown timber. That is not one of our problems. The real problem is shortage of labour.