55. Earl of DALKEITHasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Commission has any plans which it is carrying out, or intends to carry out, for increasing employment in. the production of home timber?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)So far as the production of timber by establishing new plantations is concerned, it is not anticipated that there will be much increase in employment during the next five years, as the State planting programme is to remain constant at approximately 20,000 acres per annum during that period. With regard to the production of standing timber by felling and conversion 1003 operations an inter-Departmental Committee has been appointed "to investigate and submit proposals for improvements in the utilisation of home-grown timber."
56. Earl of DALKEITHasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Commission has any policy and, if so, of what nature for the disposal of thinnings from State-owned plantations?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe quantity of thinnings from State-owned plantations is at present small and for the most part they are being sold at reasonable prices. The Commissioners' policy is steadily to investigate every possible use, and the Committee referred to in nay previous answer is consequently keeping the question in view.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSMay I ask my hon. and gallant Friend if thinning includes the cutting down of officials in this Department?
57. Earl of DALKEITHasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Commission is taking any steps to encourage and assist the marketing of home-grown pit props and other timbers; and, if so, of what nature?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEApart from the appointment of the committee previously mentioned, conferences between the interests concerned have been arranged with a view to improve marketing arrangements.
§ Mr. REMERCan nay hon. and gallant Friend say if any steps have been taken to cheapen the transport of this timber so as to enable it to be better marketed?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPENegotiations for that purpose are in progress.
§ Lord SCONEIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is almost impossible to market home-grown pit wood in this country unless the area is very close to pits because of the very heavy transport charges, and that that leads necessarily to reduced employment among foresters?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEIt is hoped that the negotiations I have already mentioned may lead to a reduction of the transport charges.