asked the President of the Board of Trade how much timber has been imported from Canada during the last year to the latest available date; what price was paid for it; and how does that price compare with the domestic price in Canada.

Imports of sawn and planed softwood, excluding sleepers and crossings, from Canada during the 12 months ended February, 1947, amounted approximately to 331,000 standards. Prices paid varied for different species and advanced generally throughout this period; for example, the prices paid from the Pacific Coast had risen from about £17 per standard early in 1946 to over £25 per standard early in 1947. No average figure can therefore be given; nor is it possible to give an accurate comparison with the domestic prices paid to producers although these were certainly a good deal lower than the prices we paid.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the British Timber Commission in Canada is giving 50 per cent. more for timber than the domestic price in Canada; and when does he intend to stop this insane policy of bulk purchasing?

I am quite aware that, owing to the good offices of the Canadian Government, we have been able to purchase at lower than world prices.

Mr. Vane:

Can the Minister say whether the prices he has quoted are f.o.b. at ports in the Pacific?

I cannot say with certainly whether they are or not.