The government believes greater use could be made of home-grown timber for flooring.
Lord Whitty, responding to a question from Lord Hylton during parliamentary questions in the House of Lords, said competition from laminate flooring and low-cost timber available on the international market was hampering the growth of home-grown products.
However, he said hardwood flooring made and sold locally as a niche market can be successful. He pointed to market studies undertaken by the Forestry Commission and its development of a hardwood appearance grading guide to help sawmills market their timber to specifiers.
Lord Whitty said the commission is supporting research to test wood hardening techniques on UK species, while wood. for good is promoting exposed softwood flooring.
Meanwhile, in the Commons, minister for sport Richard Caborn said that Wembley National Stadium Ltd had agreed to obtain sustainable or renewable materials for the building of the new national stadium. Main contractor Multiplex Construction (UK) will monitor the source of timber products used throughout the project.
