68. Colonel BROWNasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what is the cost per acre of ploughing out moorland at Staley, Northumberland; what is the total cost per acre of planting such land; and in what period of time is it expected to cut the crop of timber from this high land?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The total cost per acre of ploughing and sub-soiling moorland at Staley, Northumberland, is 22s. 6d; the cost per acre of planting is 25s. and of the plants 48s., total £4 15s. 6d. First thinnings should be cut within 25 years and the crop as a 696 whole should be fit for pit wood within 45 years or, if allowed to stand, should be mature in 70 to 80 years.