§ 38. Mr. Nabarroasked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether he will state the aggregate softwood imports for the United Kingdom, excluding pitwood and plywood, in 66W respect of 10 months ended 31st October, 1951, and 10 months ended 31st October, 1950 respectively; the relative figures for aggregate softwood consumption under Timber Control licences for these two periods; and to what extent he proposes to make a relaxation, in quantum, for softwood consumption licensing arrangements, in respect of the first half-year of 1952.
§ Mr. HopkinsonSoftwood imports for the first ten months of 1950 and 1951 were 742,000 and 1,443,000 standards, respectively. Total consumption in the same periods was 880,000 and 981,000 standards. As my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, informed the House on the 7th November, it is intended to maintain softwood consumption at its present level in 1952.