92. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Parliamentary Commissioner to the 1144 Forestry Commission whether any progress is being made in carrying into effect the provisions of the Forestry Act, 1919?
§ Mr. FORESTIER - WALKERThe Forestry Commissioners were nominated on 5th November and appointed by Royal Warrant on the 29th. The work carried out up to the present is as follows: Rules of procedure have been made, the preliminary work of the Commissioners and Assistant-Commissioners has been allocated, the ten-year planting programme has been considered, the planting programme for 1919–20 has been arranged and is being carried out, and steps have been taken to meet the shortage of forest tree seed. In addition, the appointment of consultative committees is proceeding, conferences with certain public Departments have been held in London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, schools are being opened for the training of forest apprentices, statistical work is being carried out, surveys are being undertaken, and afforestable land in various parts of the United Kingdom is being inspected with a view to acquisition. An Imperial Forestry Conference is being organised for next summer.
§ Mr. W. THORNECan the hon. Gentleman state the approximate number of men that the Department intends to engage in this afforestation; and also will he see that the men are started work at once, without so much inquiry here, there and everywhere?
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERI am not able yet to state the number of men, nor can I state the cost, because the land is not at the moment in our possession—
§ Mr. THORNEPinch it—take it over!
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERWe propose to take it over as soon as we can.