HC Deb 12 July 1932 vol 268 cc1099-100
30. Mr. LEONARD

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what were the prices paid by the Forestry Commission for ewes with lambs, eild ewes, and ewe hogs, respectively, at Kirkton, Balquidder; what prices were got for the sheep stock from these sheep when sold; and what was the total loss incurred by the Commission on the total stock?

Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)

No sheep were taken over by the Forestry Commission at Kirkton, Balquidder, and, consequently, they incurred no loss.

31. Mr. LEONARD

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, when it is proposed to proceed with planting the land, upwards of 15,000 acres, in Scotland which remains unplanted?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

Planting in Scotland by the Forestry Commissioners is proceeding at the rate of approximately 10,000 acres annually.

Mr. LEONARD

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it would be desirable to exhaust the lands available to the Commission before purchasing land, especially when it is in use for sheep?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

That would be quite impracticable.

32. Mr. LEONARD

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, in connection with the purchase of large areas of arable and sheep land at Fintry, Stirlingshire, from the Duke of Montrose by the Forestry Commission, the obligation is left upon the Duke to take over the sheep stock from his tenants at valuation prices or taken over by the Commission?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

There has not been any purchase of arable and sheep land at Fintry from the Duke of Montrose by the Forestry Commission.

Mr. LEONARD

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is under the control of this gentleman a considerable amount of land on which game is preserved, and could not some of that land have been purchased, instead of land which is in use for sheep?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

We have made no purchases of arable or sheep land, and, consequently, have no information such as the hon. Member refers to.