HC Deb 29 March 1906 vol 154 cc1557-8
MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)

To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the inquiries already made by the Select Committee on Forestry in 1885, 1886, and 1887, and by the Departmental Committee on British Forestry in 1902, and also the series of elaborate Reports on Forestry in Foreign Countries, he will state for what purpose it is now proposed to refer the subject of afforestation to a new Committee or Commission; and whether he can see his way to take efficient action in regard to this subject without further inquiry.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

As my right hon. friend the President of the Board of Trade stated last Monday in answer to a Question, it has been definitely decided that the question of afforestation will not be included in the reference to the proposed Commission, which is to confine its attention to coast erosion. I agree with my hon. friend that we are already in possession of a very large amount of information on the subject of afforestation.

MR. I PICKERSGILL

asked for an Answer to the last part of his Question.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I do not as at present advised think further inquiry is necessary. I do not think any legislative action could be at present taken.

MR. PICKERSGILL

Administrative action?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Administrative action has been taken.

MR. KEIR HARDIE

asked whether the recommendation of the Committee which sat over three years ago would now be carried out.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I understand a good deal has already been done, and we have in contemplation some steps to carry it still further.