HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc100-1W
92. Mr. J. Hudson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the reduction in felling of home-grown timber.

Mr. Boftomley

Yes. The Government have decided that in order to conserve our rapidly diminishing raw material resources there must be a substantial reduction in the present rate at which standing timber is being felled in this country. Accordingly as soon as practicable the felling of hardwood is to be reduced by 25 per cent. and that of softwood by 50 per cent., and after 1949 it will be continued at rates to be determined in the light of the timber supply position. The precise method for bringing about the reduction is being worked out by the Board of Trade with the Woodland Owners and the Timber Trade, but during the four-week period 24th January to 22nd February, the issue of felling licences will be virtually suspended though applications to fell may continue to be submitted.

The Forestry Commission will be more directly concerned with licensing than they have been in the past and, as a first step, applications for felling licences in excess of 10,000 cubic feet (instead of 25,000 cubic feet as at present) will be referred to them for approval on forestry grounds.

An Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives of the Board of Trade, the Forestry Commission (representing the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries), the Woodland Owners and the Trade, is being set up to advise on prices of standing timber.

Production of thinnings is to be encouraged by means of a payment scheme, so as to enable the total production of homegrown pitwood to be maintained while the clear felling of conifer pitwood plantations is kept at a minimum.

Mr. J. Morrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in considering the means to meet as large a part as possible of the country's pitwood needs from home woodlands.

Mr. Bottomley

1 would refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing West (Mr. J. Hudson). We are anxious to maintain the total production of homegrown pitwood at its present high level, while keeping to a minimum the clear felling of conifer pitwood plantations, and I hope that this can be achieved.