Earl of Dalkeithasked the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate of expenditure overseas on timber in every form, including pulp and paper, in each of the next five years; what proportion of the total consumption figure he estimates will be met by home-grown supplies; and what steps he will take to stimulate import substitution in the interests of the balance of payments situation.
§ Mr. DellNo such estimate is available, but the proportion of total consumption which can be met by homegrown timber is necessarily very limited. The Departments concerned are aware of the need to encourage the best use of indigenous supplies.