THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they are aware that the Timber Control is still requisitioning woods in Scotland for felling; and whether, in view of the urgent need of preserving uncut such small amounts of our former timber resources as still remain, they will take immediate action both to increase timber imports, and to release the large quantities no longer required by His Majesty's Forces, thereby avoiding the necessity of further felling of woodlands which in most cases are far from being mature.
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§ THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLANDHis Majesty's Government are most anxious to curtail at the earliest opportunity the rate at which home woodlands are being felled, and all possible steps are being taken to increase imports of timber. It is, however, still necessary for the present to obtain substantial quantities of timber from Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom in order to meet essential needs. His Majesty's Forces are552WA strictly rationed according to their essential requirements, and any timber not required is taken back into national stock. Owing, however, to heavy demands for packing for the Japanese war, there is not likely to be any appreciable reduction during the next few months in the quantity of timber needed for direct war purposes.
House adjourned at twenty-five minutes past three o'clock.