HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 c81W
141. Mr. J. Foster

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures he proposes to take to remedy the present shortage of timber.

Mr. Rhodes

Stocks of timber art-good, except for softwood. The present low state of softwood stocks is only temporary, and I have taken steps to prevent essential work from being held up. In addition to the 150,000/200,000 standards negotiated recently in Moscow by the Timber Controller, substantial contracts had previously been placed with Finland, Yugoslavia, Poland. France and North America. Further purchases will be made, principally from North America.

Mr. J. Foster

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of the imports of timber estimated for June, July and August, 1950, respectively.

Mr. H. Wilson

It is not the practice to anticipate future imports or to disclose our buying position.