asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that between 1st October, 1939, and 10th February, 1940, 3,098 standards of imported timber were released to distillers in Scotland for the production of packing-cases; and whether he will take steps to confer with the interests referred to with a view to alternative methods of packing being found and so release this timber for housing in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. I am afraid, however, that the wood in question, which consists of boxboards, could not be used for building. Ninety per cent. of the wood was used in packing whisky for export, principally to the United States of America. The question of alternative methods of packing, while it presents difficulties, is still under discussion between the distillers and the Economy Branch of the Timber Control.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in future any imports of timber come in a form suitable for building, in view of the fact that the amount of timber referred to in this Question would have satisfied the requirements of 1,000 Scottish houses?

We want all kinds of timber, and I do not propose to shut out the importation of boxboards, which have a separate use.