26. Miss Leeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is still necessary to cut immature trees in this country for mining timber.
§ Sir S. CrippsWe had hoped that it would be possible this year to avoid further cutting on a large scale in this country. But supplies from the usual exporting countries are still below requirements, while substantial aid from the supplies which are being developed in Germany cannot be received for some months. In these circumstances, it is still essential that considerable production of round and sawn mining timber in this country should be continued during 1946. I regret this further drain upon our diminished resources of timber which we should wish to leave to grow to maturity. My Department will keep in close touch with the Forestry Commission in this matter, and I can assure my hon. Friend that cutting will not be continued beyond what it is absolutely necessary in the national interest, and that requirements will be met with the least possible damage to the woodlands.