Mining Timber

HC Deb 10 February 1949 vol 461 cc79-80W

Mr. J. Morrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total hard currency expended during 1948 on imported sawn and round mining timber delivered to this country; and how this price compares with the cost in this country of home-produced mining timber of similar sizes and quality.

Mr. H. Wilson

Imports of pitwood into the United Kingdom during 1948, divided according to source, are given below; the available figures do not distinguish between round and sawn. The values shown include freight charges, which are mainly paid in sterling. As regards the comparative prices of imported and home-grown pitwood, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on 2nd November.

IMPORTS INTO UNITED KINGDOM 1948
Pitprops and other Pitwood
Pitprops	Quantity Piled Cubic Fathom	Value £
From Eire	1,422	34,064
From Union of South Africa	2,182	46,810
From Canada	187,921	4,916,929
From Newfoundland	13,307	320,652
From British West Indies	13	591
From Soviet Union	9,228	221,790
From Finland	196,798	4,839,992
From Sweden	34,320	807,068
From Norway	5,694	123,998
From Germany	21,923	476,019
From France	42,555	865,183
From Portugal	15,217	316,587
From Yugoslavia	14,796	362,212
Total Pitprops	545,376	13,331,895

Other Pitwood	Quantity Tons	Value £
From Eire	1,344	7,939
From Union of South Africa	485	2,467
From Canada	774	10,952
From Germany	716	4,003
From Portugal	327	4,413
Total other Pitwood	3,646	29,774