§ Mr. Gibson-Wattasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that home-produced softwood pit-wood is finding adequate and satisfactory outlets in this country; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. VaneSince 1950 the total consumption of softwood pit-wood in England and Wales has fallen by 41 per cent. but the consumption of the homegrown material has actually risen by nearly 28 per cent., which is satisfactory. Imports are still considerable but there is room for the home-grown product to secure the larger share of the market. There are other outlets for this material, such as boards and pulp, which are expected to continue to expand.