§ Mr. FELLasked how many acres of the New Forest are planted in timber for commercial purposes; if such planting is conducted according to the most skilful German methods of afforestation; and if a serious attempt is being made by the Government to prove that such afforestation can be successfully done so as to provide employment for large numbers of people on the land?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAbout 23,760 acres of the New Forest are planted in timber, of which 11,781 acres are enclosed, the remainder being open and subject to common rights. The timber is grown for commercial purposes, but under the New Forest Act 1877 regard must also be had both in planting and cutting to the ornamental as well as profitable use of the ground. A study has been made of the best systems of German, French and Belgian foresters, and such of their methods as seem best suited to the purposes in view are adopted. By the Act of 1877 enclosures for plantations were restricted to certain specified areas and not more than 16,000 acres may be kept enclosed at one time. In view of the various restrictions which have been mentioned no afforestation of fresh areas is possible; only the regeneration of such areas as are cut from time to time is taken in hand. No special attempt can therefore be made in the New Forest to prove that afforestation can be successfully done so as to provide employment for large numbers of people on the land, but a large number of woodmen and labourers are constantly employed there.
§ Mr. FELLasked who has charge of the Afforestation Department of the New Forest; if he makes any annual report on the number of trees planted, the growth of the trees, and the quantity of timber felled; and if such report on the results of the year's work can be presented to the House?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMr. Lascelles, the deputy surveyor, has charge of the forestry operations in the New Forest under the direction of Sir Stafford Howard, one of the Commissioners of Woods, with Mr. Popert, late of the Indian Forest Service, as Consulting Forester. Annual reports covering the matters referred to in the question are furnished by the deputy surveyor to the Commissioner, and if the hon. Member will put himself in communication with the Office of Woods any particulars he may desire will, so far as possible, be furnished to him.
§ Earl WINTERTONAs the question is of great interest to both sides of the House, will the right hon. Gentleman have these reports furnished with the Parliamentary papers?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI will consider that question.