asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether any arrangements have been made to import timber for housing purposes from Sweden or elsewhere; and, if so, whether he is in a position to indicate when supplies will be available from these sources.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Timber Supplies.
Negotiations for the purchase and import of timber for housing purposes are in progress, and I am not in a position at present to indicate what the outcome of these negotiations may be.
Will the Minister say whether any negotiations are in progress with Brazil or any other South American country, where, it is reliably stated, there are substantial quantities of timber available and, if no such negotiations are in progress, would the Minister consider the question of directing inquiries to that source in the hope that we may be able to get from there supplies of timber which will be badly needed for our post-war housing schemes?
There are no negotiations in progress with Brazil, and I see no likelihood of circumstances arising in the near future which would permit of the shipment of timber from Brazil.
In connection with negotiations that are proceeding with Sweden, would the Minister undertake that the timber derived from that source will not be given exclusively to a small group of timber importers in this country, to the exclusion of others who were in the habit of importing timber before the war?
A centralised importing company has been established and all timber will be imported through that company.
Will those timber importers who are not invited to join that centralised timber importing company be excluded from the opportunity of importing timber, if they are in a position on their own to do so?
They will, yes.
Is that just?
All timber will be imported through the one company.
Is not that very unjust?
It is a very necessary arrangement.
I understand that there are independent importers prepared to bring it in, if you will let them, and you are giving a monopoly to five firms. That does not seem to be fair.
Will the Minister say with what countries negotiations have been in progress?
Negotiations have been in progress with Sweden and Canada.
Would the Minister consider the desirability, as soon as it is practicable to do so, of making an announcement as to the availability of timber supplies, so that local authorities may know what the circumstances are in order that they may plan their housing schemes?
There are no timber supplies available and it is not yet clear that the negotiations I have referred to will produce timber supplies.