§ 74. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the President of the Board of Trade how much timber bought under the Anglo-French Trade Agreement awaits shipment at Bordeaux; how long such timber has awaited shipment; and what deterioration it has suffered.
Mr. H. WilsonOn 6th February the quantity of softwood timber on the quays at Bordeaux for shipment against Timber Control purchases under the Anglo-French Trade Agreement for 1950 was about 2,000 standards, the bulk of which will be loaded this week. Most of this timber has arrived at Bordeaux within the last few weeks. Pending inspection in the United Kingdom, it is not possible to say whether or not there is any deterioration due to weather conditions, but Timber Control does not expect to find any serious deterioration. There is also lying at Bordeaux quays some further 1,000 standards which is not yet available to the Timber Control for shipment. As a result of recent negotiations, it is hoped that this quantity and further supplies from inland mills will shortly be shipped to this country.