§ 43. Sir R. THOMASasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, in view of the fact that 62,182 acres of woodlands in Wales and Monmouthshire were felled or devastated during the War, and that only 15,824 acres have since been replanted by the Forestry Commission, what proportion of this total acreage the Commission proposes to replant and within what period of time; and particularly to state what are the Commission's plans as regards the five counties of Anglesey, Cardigan, Denbigh, Flint, and Pembroke, in which none of the area felled or devastated, amounting to 14,888 acres, has as yet been replanted by the Commission?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The Report on the Census of Woodlands, 1924, shows 62,182 acres felled or devastated in Wales and Monmouthshire. This area does not belong to the Forestry Commission, but on land which the Commission have acquired in Wales and Monmouthshire they have planted 17,584 acres. The acreage to be planted in 1762 future will depend on the extent of the land acquired and the funds available. In Cardiganshire the Commission are planting 153 acres this season and they are negotiating for the acquisition of further land in Cardiganshire and also for land in Denbighshire. No land has yet been acquired in the other three counties named.
§ Sir R. THOMASCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPENo, I cannot say that. The land is examined and acquired, if it is suitable as far as our funds permit.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAre the Commissioners considering the question of planting the hillsides of Wales with the object of producing British pit props in view of the question and answer about steel props yesterday.
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEYes, Sir.
§ Sir R. THOMASHaving regard to the reply that the planting of these trees depends upon the funds that are available, may I ask why Cardiganshire and Denbighshire should be favoured at the expense of Anglesey?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThere is no question of favouring one locality against another.
§ Sir R. THOMASMay I very respectfully ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman what he means by only a certain amount of funds being at his disposal and some of these funds having been given to two Welsh counties and not to the other three?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEIt is a question of policy.