HC Deb 11 November 1953 vol 520 cc52-3W
100. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how he explains the drop in the export of timber from British Colonial Territories, and in particular from Nigeria, Kenya and North Borneo, in 1952, as compared with 1951; and how he assesses the prospects for 1953.

Mr. Lyttelton

The main cause was the fall both in demand and in prices for timber, particularly in the United Kingdom, after 1951. Exports from North Borneo were also affected by Australian import restrictions. There has been a revival of demand in 1953 and exports should be higher than in 1952.