§ Sir R. Aclandasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will publish a statement showing the percentage changes in the wholesale price of coal and of all industrial materials and manufactures excluding coal during the periods 1935–38, 1938–46, 1946–49 and 1949–50.
§ Mr. BottomleyI have been asked to reply. The Board of Trade Index Numbers of Wholesale Prices shows the following changes:
§ Mr. BottomleySoftwood is allocated in two stages. Supplies are allocated between the Departments responsible for all essential users; and Departments are responsible for settling, within their allocations, the amounts to be licensed 239W to the various users for whom they are responsible. If the hon. Member will let me know if he has any particular use in mind, I will do my best to advise him further.
§ Brigadier Medlicottasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in connection with the Government's proposals to restore the housing programme to 200,000 houses this year, he is aware of the possibility of a serious shortage of softwood timber which may interfere considerably with the fulfilment of this programme; and what measures he is taking to meet this situation.
§ Mr. BottomleyI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 27th April to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom).