§ 23. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the value of the surplus plants now being destroyed because there is no use for them owing to the restriction of the planting activities of his Department; and what is expected to be the total cost price of the plants ultimately so destroyed?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The surplus plants have little or no market value as the nursery trade also have stocks in excess of requirements. The total cost price of the plants which have been or will be destroyed for the reason stated is approximately £50,000.
§ Captain MACDONALDHas any attempt been made to put the plants on the market?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEAs I explained to the House when the Forestry Estimates were before us, the plants could not be put on the market without putting the whole nursery trade into a state of insolvency. Where we could find a use for surplus plants which would not conflict with the nursery trade those opportunities were taken to the full.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that if the Government grant had not been reduced there would have been no necessity to destroy this £50.000 worth of young plants?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThat is a fact.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESHave the Commissioners ever considered that, instead of destroying these plants, it would have been much better to give them away to somebody who could use them?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEAs I have already stated, where it was possible to secure planting which would not compete with the operations of the nursery trade, those opportunities were taken, and a very large number of plants were planted by local authorities who would not otherwise have undertaken planting at all.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSHave ample supplies of these plants been retained, as they would be useful where other plants have failed?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEAmple supplies have been retained for that purpose, but the retention of the plants which are now being destroyed could have no useful purpose and would cause considerable expenditure.
§ Mr. COCKSDo we understand that £50,000 worth of public money has been thrown away to preserve the interests of private capitalists?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPENo, the hon. Member must not understand anything of the kind.