Timber: Imports
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her department has made of the risk to UK national security posed by the country importing over 80% of its timber requirements.
Answered by Mary Creagh
This Government recognises the growing global demand for timber. The Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 and the relaunched Timber in Construction Roadmap (2025) sets out our commitment to increase the supply and use of domestic timber. This includes working in partnership with the forestry sector on tree breeding programmes for selected timber producing species to diversify the range of tree species that could be used in construction. The Timber in Construction Roadmap identifies seven priority themes, including to increase the sustainable supply of timber. Work to deliver the Roadmap’s actions is being taken forward across industry and government. The Government also continues to engage with the Confederation of Forest Industries on the National Wood Strategy.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →