§ 59. Colonel Clifton Brownasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that the Forestry Report of 1917 suggests that, as regards common lands, it should be possible to arrange that the worst land for grazing purposes was taken for planting and the best land was improved for grazing; and if the commissioners will apply this principle at Kielder in future instead of planting up all the best agricultural land and leaving the rest practically sterile?
§ Colonel Sir George CourthopeThe Forestry Commissioners are aware of the paragraph regarding commons in the report referred to. They consider that the principle referred to is not economically applicable to Kielder. The suggestion in the latter part of the question is not in accordance with the facts.
Colonel BrownIn view of the strong objection in this part of Northumberland to the work of the Forestry Commission would it not be better to adopt this policy in order to minimise these objections?