§ Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister for Economic Affairs if he is aware of the large stocks of timber piling up in the 228W yards of timber merchants throughout the country which they are unable to dispose of for lack of licences; and why the Cabinet Materials Committee does not increase the supply available for the building industry.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes. This is the normal season for stock building to meet requirements during the period when imports are necessarily reduced because ports of shipment are closed by ice. It is more than ever necessary to husband our resources this year in view of the reductions which have already had to be made in the future timber import programme in order to save dollars.