§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what three countries import the most timber into the United Kingdom; what were the comparable countries in 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamIn 1991, Canada, Sweden and Finland were the main exporters of timber into the United Kingdom. In 1980, the main sources of timber imports into the United Kingdom were Canada, Finland and the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how much timber was imported into the United Kingdom in each year since 1989; what guidelines are followed to ensure that this timber is not imported from countries defying safe environmental directives; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. NeedhamStatistics on timber imports are published in the "Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom," a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Her Majesty's Customs and Excise is responsible for enforcing the restrictions on imports provided for under the convention on international trade in endangered species. The Government's policy is to encourage sustainable management of forests; wider restrictions on timber exports are neither practicable nor desirable.