§ 89. Mr. HOPKINasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the number of forest units in England, Wales, and Scotland, respectively. with the acreage represented in each case?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The number of forest units in England is 79 comprising 266,000 plantable acres. In. Wales there are 29 units comprising 94,000 plantable acres. In Scotland, 89 units comprising 205,000 plantable acres.
§ 90. Mr. HOPKINasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the number of persons employed by the Forestry Commission during the planting season, and during the months when planting is suspended?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe number of persons employed by the Forestry Commissioners varies throughout the year. During the year ended 30th September, 1935, the minimum number 3,015 when planting was suspended, rose to a maximum of 4,020 during the planting season.
§ Mr. E. J. WILLIAMSasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the total acreage planted since the Forestry Commission commenced operations; and the total number of young trees planted and growing?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe total acreage planted by the Forestry Commission is 280,000, and the number of young trees growing on this area is approximately 500 millions.
§ 92. Mr. DAGGARasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye as representing the Forestry Commissioners the additional acreage and the additional number of persons to be employed in carrying out the programme of planting, etc., for the special areas?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe Forestry Commissioners' programme for the special areas covers the acquisition and planting 261 of 200,000 acres within a period of about 10 years. It is estimated that this will provide employment for an average of 2,200 persons per annum.