Earl of Dalkeithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 6 per cent. fall in softwood imports and the 5 per cent. fall in hardwood imports in 1965 compared with 1964 was accounted for by a temporary decline in consumption, an increase in the use of home grown timber or some other reason; and what was the difference in the cost of these imports during this period in terms of foreign exchange.
§ Mr. JayThe reduction in the quantities imported reflected a decline in consumption. The recorded value of imports c.i.f. was about £0.6 million more in 1965 than in 1964, but I cannot say what was the difference in cost in terms of foreign exchange.