HC Deb 26 July 1927 vol 209 cc1028-9
66. Lord APSLEY

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what salary is paid to the deputy-surveyor of the New Forest and to the members of his indoor staff respectively; for what period he has been appointed; whether he can be dismissed, transferred to another district, or promoted if found desirable; and whether he has had any experience in the administration of common lands or with natural grown trees?

Sir LEOLIN FORESTIER WALKER: (Forestry Commissioner)

The salary paid to the deputy-surveyor of the New Forest is £875 per annum on the scale £750-£25-£950 with Civil Service bonus. The salary of the district officer, whose work is mainly in the Forest but who has some office duties, is £305 per annum on the scale £200-£15-£400 plus bonus. The salaries of the indoor staff are, one clerk at £150 per annum plus bonus, one typist at 50s. per week, two clerks at 45s. and one boy at 17s. The deputy-surveyor has not been appointed for a fixed period, and in the matter of dismissal or retirement on pension his appointment is subject to the conditions applicable to established civil servants. He can be transferred to another district or, with the consent of the Treasury, promoted. He has experience in the administration of common lands and with natural grown trees.

Lord APSLEY

Seeing that the Forestry Commissioners have not yet decided whether they are to grow trees in the New Forest for profit or just for fun, is not the deputy-surveyor somewhat in the dark as to what he is to do and what he is doing, and whether he is growing trees or catching squirrels?

Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER

The Commissioners are under no misapprehension. In the part of the Forest under discussion trees are going to be grown for profit.

Lord APSLEY

May I ask whether regard will be had to the amenities of the Forest, which are of considerable importance to the public?

Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER

The amenities of the New Forest will, of course, not be touched by the policy of the Forestry Commission. We are dealing with the enclosed portion, which is a very small portion of the whole.

Lord APSLEY

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Commissioners expect to be able to show a profit?