HC Deb 13 June 1928 vol 218 c981
34. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if he is in a position to say what are the intentions of the Government with respect to the new afforestation programme due to commence next April?

Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. WELLOCK

Is it not the case that if an advance programme has to be instituted considerable notice should be given in order that the Commissioners may procure the necessary seed, and, seeing also that this is a good opportunity of finding employment for unemployed miners, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman press on the Prime Minister the importance of getting the new programme into operation as soon as possible?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

The Forestry Commission are most anxious to make progress.

Mr. MACLEAN

Have not the Forestry Commissioners yet met to consider any points in the programme that they intend to place before the Prime Minister?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

Many months ago.

Mr. MACLEAN

If that is so, why has not a statement of policy been made in answer to my hon. Friend's question?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

The question was what is the intention of the Government. The programme the Forestry Commissioners submit to the Government for consideration is a very different thing.