§ Mr. FLEMINGasked how many acres of the area acquired by the Government at Inverliver, Argyleshire, for experiments in afforestation have in fact been planted with young trees; what progress has been made in preparing the ground not already planted; and whether the Government receive any grazing or shooting rental from the part of the estate where development is not actually in process?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAbout 310 acres of the Inverliver Estate have already been planted, and a further fifty acres, which have been fenced in, drained, and cleared of bracken are being planted this spring. Preparations are at present being made for enclosing a further 180 acres, which will be drained and cleared during the summer, and planted next season. A nursery of about seven acres for raising plants for the new plantations has also been formed and partially sown with seeds or planted with seedlings. Grazing and shooting rents are received for that part of the estate where forestry development is not actually in progress.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman how many crofters have been cleared off this Government ground?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI cannot say from memory, but I went up there last year and I imagine none.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the nature of the planting that is being pursued?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEA considerable variety of trees have been planted.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYIs it mixed planting?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENo. I believe the trees are conifers.