68. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the import-saving potential at post devaluation prices of the 30 million hoppus feet of windblown timber from Scottish woodlands on the basis that it is utilised in the most worthwhile manner; and whether he will set up a departmental inquiry into measures to ensure that this is done, taking into account both the national interest and balance of payments problems.
§ Mr. RossIt is too early to assess the market value of the blown timber or its relevance to import saving. The joint action group of the Forestry Commission, the timber trade and private forestry interests will be considering marketability, and I must await their report.