HC Deb 17 February 1914 vol 58 cc766-8
54. Captain MURRAY

asked whether any decision has yet been arrived at in regard to the proposed demonstration area for forestry in Scotland?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The proposal at present is under the consideration of the Development Commissioners.

55. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether one quarter of the surface of Scotland can be more profitably employed for forestry than for any other purpose, and that this proportion is unparalleled in any other portion of the United Kingdom; whether he is aware that afforestation in Scotland, by providing an auxiliary industry, would make small holdings economically practicable in many districts where they are now impracticable; whether he is aware that in England and Ireland, where the opportunity for afforestation is much more restricted than in Scotland, a much greater advance has been made in State afforestation; and whether he proposes to take any steps to recover the ground which Scotland has lost in this respect, and to secure the development of Scottish resources and the repopulation of Scottish rural districts?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The Departmental Committee on Forestry made some inquiry into the extent of land available for afforestation in Scotland, but were unable to obtain reliable information on the subject. In the Agricultural Statistics issued in 1909 the estimated area of mountain and heathland used for grazing in Scotland was given as 9,067,647 acres. The proportion of this land suitable for afforestation has not been ascertained. A demonstration area has been provided in Ireland, and both in that country and in England assistance has been obtained from the Development Commissioners for forestry. Until about two years ago there was no Department in Scotland authorised to deal with forestry. Application has been made to the Development Commissioners for grants for advisory and research officers, and for the funds to establish and create a demonstration area and a forest school.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation reported that out of the 9,000,000 acres 6,000,000 were suitable for afforestation, and that these 6,000,000 acres are more than one-fourth of the surface of Scotland?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I must respectfully decline to commit myself to figures without notice.

56. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether the Departmental Committee appointed by Lord Pentland early in 1911 to report on the selection of a suitable location for a demonstration forest area in Scotland and other matters connected therewith, presented a Report in December of the same year, recommending that a demonstration forest of from 4,000 to 10,000 acres should be secured at once; whether in July, 1912, he appointed an Advisory Committee on afforestation and referred it to it to make a recommendation as to a suitable area for a demonstration forest; whether he is aware that the Development Commissioners in January, 1911, concurred in the appointment of the Departmental Committee and giving advice as to the nature and area of the demonstration area; whether he is aware that in their Report for 1912 the Departmental Commissioners reiterated their view that the main outstanding requirement of Scottish forestry education was a demonstration area, and remarked that they had as yet received no official proposals; whether the Advisory Committee has yet made any and what recommendations; and whether those recommendations have been submitted to the Develop- ment Commissioners, and with what result?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am aware of the circumstances of the case. The Advisory Committee have recommended the acquisition of a demonstration area in the county of Aberdeen, and their recommendation has been submitted to the Development Commission by the Board of Agriculture, but no decision has yet been announced by the Development Commissioners.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Development Commissioners will come to a decision within the present month?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No, Sir, I cannot answer that. I am not responsible.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the option on the estate expires at the end of this month?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I cannot say, but I know it is for a short time.

Earl WINTERTON

Would the right hon. Gentleman say, before committing; himself, how far experiments already made in Ireland and in England under the Government have been successful for the last fifty years, and will he publish the figures?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I cannot publish figures with regard to Ireland and England, but that information is certainly before the Board in Scotland.