§ 24. Mr. TINKERasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if they have had any applications from local authorities to take in hand for planting purposes those areas of land which, owing to the closing down of collieries, are derelict and unsightly to surroundings; and will he say if it is the intention of the Forestry Commissioners to consider applications of such a nature?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The Forestry Commissioners have received from time to time suggestions of the character referred to, but such areas are, as a rule, unsuitable for the production of timber or too small in extent for economical management.
§ Mr. TINKERHave the Commissioners any power to help such areas as Cannock Chase even though it may be uneconomical? The land itself could be made a beauty spot whereas it is now unsightly.
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI do not know whether the area in Cannock Chase can be regarded as a large plot of land, but I would remind the hon. Member that local authorities and other owners of land, both corporate and individual, are eligible for grants for planting from the Forestry Commissioners.