HC Deb 27 February 1912 vol 34 cc1177-8
Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state at what date the scheme of afforestation prepared by the Board was submitted to the Treasury; and whether it has yet been approved or is likely to be so at an early date?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)

The Board's scheme for the development of forestry was submitted to the Treasury on 17th February, 1911. Certain sections of the scheme bearing on education and experiments in forestry have been approved by the Commissioners and the Treasury, but the main proposals are still under consideration. I have lately appointed an Advisory Committee further to advise the Board in this connection.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Will any steps be taken to hasten the decision of the Commissioners as to the main proposals now heard before the Commissioners?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes; that is one of the objects of appointing the Advisory Committee.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Will any opportunity be given to this House to discuss this very important matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not know what sort of opportunity the hon. Gentleman desires.

Mr. C. BATHURST

I wish to know whether upon the Estimates or otherwise this scheme will be open to discussion in the House?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It will be impossible to discuss it on the Estimates unless Monday is taken for the purpose, and I cannot make any announcement as to that.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is this Advisory Committee purely for England and Wales, or will it be for Scotland also?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It is for the purpose of taking into consideration the whole problem of forestry for England, Scotland, and Wales. Whether the Development Commission will give a separate Grant for Scotland I am not able to say; I do not know.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Will this Advisory Committee have anything to do with the Scottish Board?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Advisory Committee has no control whatever over the work of the Board. It is purely an Advisory Committee, and if the Scottish Board does not wish to take the advice of the Advisory Committee it need not do so; nor need I.