§ 47. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to say when the Government proposes to introduce an Afforestation Bill, in view of the fact that the present Act expires in March, 1929?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not intended to introduce a new Forestry Bill. The Act of 1919 continues in force after March, 1929, with the exception of Subsection (2) of Section 8, which fixed the total of the grants to the Forestry Fund over the first 10 years. The details with regard to the second 10 years are still under consideration, but it is intended to ask Parliament to vote annually into the Forestry Fund such sums as may be required under an agreed programme for the next 10 years. No legislation will be necessary to give effect to these arrangements.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the Prime Minister say whether time is likely to be given for a Debate on afforestation before the programme for the next 10 years is definitely settled?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question nearer the time.
§ Mr. WELLOCKWith regard to the first year, will the Prime Minister consider the possibility of finding employment in afforestation for a considerable number of miners?
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicated assent.