§ 43. Mr. HOPKINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade as representing the Forestry Commis- 888 sioners, in view of the opportunities for afforestation in Carmarthenshire and the number of unemployed in the county, and the fact that only 59 additional acres have been planted and 10 more men employed this year, if he will agree to the setting up of an advisory committee from. the county of Carmarthen, representing all interests, so as to hasten the rate of progress?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHThe facts are not as stated. The Commission's planting programme in Carmarthenshire this season is 400 acres, which is 59 more than the programme last season. It is unnecessary to set up such a committee as is suggested, as under the Forestry Act, 1919, Section 6, a Consultative Committee for Wales has already been established, and is representative of the various interests specified in that Section. The commissioners are prepared to submit to that Committee the facts regarding the afforestation programme in Carmarthen-shire and to ask for their advice.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that it is possible to grow much better timber in the Highlands, especially in Argyllshire, and will he ask the Forestry Commission to devote their zeal to that part of the country?