HL Deb 19 June 1973 vol 343 cc1216-7
THE EARL OF DUNDEE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state the value of imported timber and timber products during the last twelve months for which figures are available, together with the value of similar imports during the previous twelve months in 1971–72, and whether they expect any difficulty in obtaining enough imported timber and timber products to satisfy the needs of British industry during the present period of expansion.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (THE EARL OF LIMERICK)

My Lords, the value of timber and timber products imported into the United Kingdom between May, 1972, and April, 1973, was £919 million as against £764 million for the corresponding period in 1971–72. We do not anticipate serious difficulty in obtaining sufficient supplies in the future, but it may be necessary to pay high prices in this international market.

THE EARL OF DUNDEE

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether the whole of the increase in what is paid for timber—and I believe the figure will be £1,100 million this year, on the basis of the first four months—is due to importing large quantities, or whether it is due to rising prices? Also, can my noble friend say whether it is the case that, lately, we have been unable to get any timber at all from Canada because the United States have taken the whole of their exports? Finally, are the Government satisfied that we can get enough timber from Scandinavia, and possibly Russia, to fulfil our needs without having to pay exorbitant prices?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, on the first question I can say that a little over one-third of the increase in the value of imported timber and paper raw materials, in the year to which reference was made, seems to be due to increases in prices. On the second point, it is true that imports from Canada were interrupted following difficult winter felling conditions, but sales have recently been renewed. As my noble friend very well understands, this is a world market in which prices have risen fairly sharply. But it is anticipated that they may now level out and I am advised that there is no reason to anticipate that we shall not be able to obtain the supplies that we need.

LORD SANDYS

My Lords, arising out of my noble friend's original reply, can he state what proportion of the timber imported is for house building and construction work generally, and what proportion is wood pulp?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, it is my understanding that the majority of it is for house building. To be more specific, some 80 per cent. of our timber imports are in the form of sawn softwood.