asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the total amount of timber obtained from Germany since the start of the operations; and the number of British personnel now engaged in this work in Germany.

Up to the end of January, 386,500 metric tons had been imported into this country from Germany. There were then 481 British staff engaged on this work.

Can the Minister say what yearly output from this source is anticipated?

I think the approximate target at the moment is round about a million tons per annum, but it depends entirely on the manpower and transport available and other factors of that kind. The House will be interested to know that, as compared with the first quarter of last year, when there was exported 11,200 tons, the figure in the last quarter was 164,743 tons.

Could the Minister divide up that figure in order to indicate timber suitable for building and timber which is suitable for electricity poles?

I could divide it up into sawn soft wood, logs and other kinds, and, if the hon. Member desires, I will send him the figures.

Mr. Vane:

Can the Minister say how many of the 481 British personnel who are members of the Forestry Commission staff are still seconded to his Department, and who fixes the price of the timber on its arrival in this country?

The greater proportion, if not all of the staff, are recruited from the Home Grown Timber Control and they are part of the North German Timber Control. The price fixed in this country is a matter for the Board of Trade.