CHAPTER II 



THE FOREST REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 



The position of Great Britain and Ireland as regards 

 timber production on the one hand, and timber re- 

 quirements on the other, has long been a favourite sub- 

 ject with forest economists. With practically the lowest 

 percentage of the total land surface under woodland, 

 and the highest consumption of imported wood per head 

 of population, the development of the existing forest area, 

 and its extension on land not needed for intensive 

 agriculture demands serious consideration. 



In the six years, 1904 to 1909, the total value of 

 timber — manufactured, hewn, and unenumerated, etc. — 

 averaged, according to Board of Trade returns, just under 

 £25,000,000. In 1906 its value was £27,507,410, and 

 in 1909, £23,591,810. The nearest approach to the 

 average was in 1908, £24,306,169. In the latter year the 

 chief items were : — 



It is seen that more than one-half of the total quantity 



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