§ Sir William Dolben regretted that there should be found such a lamentable deficiency of timber, the growth of Britain, not merely for domestic purposes, nut even fot the supply of our navy. He thought that no enclosure should be allowed without making it compulsory on those who were to be benefited by it, to plant a certain quantity of timber. He should, therefore, move for a committee to take into consideration the state of growing timber in this country, and he expected the assistance of every country and county member on this point.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer, while he admitted the importance of the subject, was compelled to observe, that the only mode Of increasing timber, recommended in the observations of the hon. baronet, was one which was compulsory, but which was not reconcileable to sound policy and expediency
§ Sir W. DOlben considered all enclosures as equally compulsory in principle. They were never agreed to without dissentients, Who could not have their land as they pleased, but were obliged to submit. He saw no hardship, in the same rule, in making men who were engaged in enclosures for their private benefit, do something for the public advantage also. An acre in fifty was not too much to require in such a case.
§ Sir W. Elford objected to the principle laid down by the hon. baronet.
§ Admiral Markham thought that the subject was a very important one. If this were not a proper time to discuss it, such a time must soon arrive. He spoke as an eye-Witness. He had seen the lamentable situation in which we were sometimes placed, from the want of sufficient British timber. There was a great deal to enquire into. Perhaps the matter ought to be taken up in a more enlarged sense than was now proposed. Beside the consideration of the royal docks, there was not as Yet an absolute dearth, but there soon Would be one. Something might possibly be done to prevent the unnecessary consumption of timber, especially oak timber, and more regulations passed concerning export and duty, as the whole of the subject required full consideration.—The motion was negatived.