§ 50. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many men have been discharged by the Commissioners since 1st October last?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPE401 men have been discharged by the Forestry Commission since the 1st October last, but the number now employed is only 23 less than on the 1st October.
§ Mr. MORRISONWas any attempt made by the Commission to come to an arrangement with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in order to obviate the discharge of the 400 men?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe 400 men were discharged simply because of the completion of the operations in which they were engaged. Certain operations are commenced in the autumn and require the employment of seasonal labour. When the operation comes to an end, the seasonal labour goes out of employment. Other operations commence and men are engaged.
§ Mr. MORRISONThe explanation last week was that the grant was exhausted and that there was no more money available. I am asking whether, before discharging these men, any attempt was made to get into touch with the Treasury with a view of overcoming this difficulty?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThis figure of 401 does not represent the discharge of a large body of men, but represents the completion of a large number of small local operations. We cannot increase our planting programme without increased grants, and it is the ordinary operation of our planting programme which decides the number of men to be employed.
§ Mr. MORRISONAre we to assume that the Forestry Commissioners have not taken any particular interest in the letter sent by the Prime Minister?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe hon. Member must not assume anything of the kind.
§ Mr. WELLOCKIs it not a great pity to lose men who have had some experience of this work?