§ 49. Mr. T. JOHNSTONasked the Prime Minister what steps are taken to ensure that State expenditure upon the properties of the Forestry Commissioners, the Crown woods, and the properties of corporate bodies and private individuals 430 are safeguarded from decimation by rabbits and game; if he will say who appoints the Forestry Commissioners; and if he will consider the advisability of securing that this Commission shall be represented by a Minister of the Crown in this House?
§ Mr. CLYNESProperties on which State expenditure has been incurred for afforestation are protected from such damage as the question refers to by the appointment of keepers and trappers. In accordance with Section 1 of the Forestry Act, 1919, the Forestry Commissioners are appointed by His Majesty under sign manual. The point raised in the last part of the question is under consideration.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHave no complaints whatever been received that considerable amounts of public money spent in afforestation have been wasted because game has destroyed the young trees?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have no knowledge of such complaints, but I shall be glad to receive any information on the subject.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes not the keeping of game give employment to a very considerable number of people?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe game is very useful for vermin's food.