§ Captain BOWYERasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware of the urgent need felt all round Salcey Forest that similar work should be started there this year as in former years, so as to help the unemployed in the neighbouring villages; and will he endeavour to get this restarted as soon as possible?
§ Sir LEOLIN FORESTIER-WALKER (forThere is a limit to the extent to which an area can be usefully treated in anticipation of normal forestry operations. That limit has been practically reached at Salcey Forest, and the scale of operations must perforce be reduced during the current winter. If any suitable land for forestry is offered in the district, the Forestry Commissioners will give it their favourable consideration. Grants are available to local authorities and others who undertake clearing and planting.
§ Captain BOWYERWill the hon. Gentleman put forward the urgent need of this locality for at least the same amount of work that was available last year and the year before?
§ Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKERI can only say that this is an old Crown forest which we took over, and the whole available acreage, has now been planted up. If the hon. and gallant Member or anyone else in that district will give us some more land, we shall be very pleased to use it.