THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked Her Majesty's Government what orders, if any, have been placed since January 31, 1953, with foreign countries, including France, for the purchase of softwoods, particularly those suitable for mining purposes; if they will give details of any such transactions, including the names of the countries concerned, the amount and value of the timber, and the dates of delivery; and if they will refrain from authorising any such further purchases, until a large proportion of the timber, suitable for mining purposes which was blown down in Scotland by the gale of January 31, 1953, has been absorbed by the home market.
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§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (VISCOUNT SWINTON)All timber is now privately purchased, and it is not the practice to reveal orders placed by individual trading organisations. I cannot therefore, give my noble friend the information he seeks about orders placed for timber for mining purposes by the National Coal Board I understand that the Board are already adjusting their import programme and taking other necessary steps in order to absorb the pitwood in the windblow. As regards orders placed for other sawn softwood. I am sending my noble friend particulars of the total contracts divided by countries, placed by importers during February, 1953. Figures for March are not yet available.
House adjourned at twenty-two minutes past five o'clock.