HC Deb 28 October 1920 vol 133 cc1983-4W
Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a leaflet published by the Council of Action, and recently distributed, which endeavours to convey to the working classes the idea that housing is being held up in this country owing to the fact that huge quantities of timber are being prevented from importation to this country from Russia; and whether he will take steps to disillusion the people of this country with regard to the exaggerated hopes held out in the matter of Russian timber supplies, in view of the transport situation in Russia?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

My attention has been called to the leaflet referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that he has no evidence that there is any shortage of timber available for housing. I may point out that the important timber-growing areas now comprised in the Baltic States and Poland are already accessible to British importers.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

asked the Minister of Health whether, as suggested in a leaflet issued by the Council of Action, housing is being held up in this country owing to the non-importation of Russian timber; and whether there is any evidence that the means of transport exist in Russia for sending large quantities of timber to this country?

Dr. ADDISON

I have no evidence that housing is being held up on account of shortage of timber.