76. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Technology what is his estimate of the annual import bill for timber in every form including pulp and paper at presentday prices on the basis that per capita consumption in the United Kingdom will rise to the same level as in France and the United States of America, respectively.
§ Dr. Ernest A. DaviesThe pattern of consumption varies considerably between the three countries and it is impossible to say what proportion would be imported were United Kingdom consumption at a substantially different level Estimates cannot therefore be given.
363W
Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Technology for how many years ahead he calculates the cost of imports of timber in every form including pulp and paper; and whether he takes into account the change in prices due to the growing world shortage of available softwood as predicted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
§ Dr. Ernest A. DaviesEstimates for the main categories of imports are made regularly in collaboration with the Board of Trade, for up to two years ahead. Account is taken of expected price changes.