§ SIR ROBERT HOBART (Hampshire, New Forest)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has now received a further Report from His Majesty's Commissioner of Woods and Forests respecting the extensive burnings of gorse and heather recently carried out by the Crown authorities in the New Forest; whether he is aware that these wholesale burnings have absolutely destroyed the beauty of the forest 1341 along many miles of roads, which will not be recovered for several years; whether there are numerous complaints and protests from the commoners and other inhabitants of the New Forest against this wanton destruction of their amenities as detrimental to their property and interests; and whether he will forthwith grant a special and independent local inquiry into the matter as the only fair means of investigating and allaying the feeling of indignation that exists.
§ MR. HOBHOUSEI propose to make a personal visit to the locality.