§ 128. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that two of the contractors building houses for the Irvine Town Council who applied for wood for house building, other than the construction of floors, were informed that the wood quota for the year had been overdrawn and that the permit had to be refused; how many other contractors or councils have been similarly refused; and what effect this is having on the production of houses.
§ Mr. BuchananMy Department's allocation of softwood for the current quarter is exhausted and I regret that it has therefore been necessary to suspend temporarily the issue of licences. Licences against the allocation for the next quarterly period which are now effective are, however, being issued to the two contractors referred to and to others in a similar position. The timber supply position is a matter of serious concern, but everything possible is being done to minimise interference with the housing programme.