§ Mr. WILLIAM PEELasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to form a Forestry Department for Great Britain, or separate departments for England, Scotland, and Wales; whether such department will be attached to the Board of Agriculture or be a separate and independent office?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that the present position is as follows:—The Board of Agriculture employ an inspector for forestry purposes and have formulated proposals for the promotion of forestry in England and Wales, which are now being discussed with the Development Commissioners. The Scotch Education Department administer grants for instruction in forestry in connection with the Agricultural Colleges in Scotland and Edinburgh University, and as a preliminary towards making application to the Development Commissioners for a grant from the Development Fund for the acquisition of a demonstration forest area in Scotland, the Secretary for Scotland, with the concurrence of the Development Commissioners and the consent of the Treasury, is appointing a Committee for the consideration of the whole matter. These are preliminary measures which can be taken by the existing authorities, without prejudice to the consideration at a later stage, of the question asked by the hon. Member.