§ Mr. J. Edenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the present ratio of timber consumed in this country is approximately 14 per cent. home as against 86 per cent. imported, and that the Government have over recent years given encouragement to the Forestry Commission and private woodland owners to increase their planting of timber, he will give an assurance that it will be made clear in any discussions with countries concerned with the outer Free Trade Area that Her Majesty's Government regards it as essential to build up an efficient timber growing and using industry in this country, and wishes to become increasingly less dependent on imports from abroad over future decades.
§ Mr. John HareI have been asked to reply.
I can reaffirm that Her Majesty's Government recognise the importance of maintaining an efficient timber growing and using industry in Great Britain. They are keeping this in mind in their discussions on the possibility of establishing a Free Trade Area of the Seven countries.