§ 78. Mr. Sextonasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres have been definitely secured, under the scheme to assist to reduce unemployment in the Special Areas, within the county of Durham; how many unemployed Durham county men have been set to work on such acquired acreage; and how much money has been paid in wages to those men for their forestry work?
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe Forestry Commissioners have not secured any land within the county of Durham under the Special Areas scheme.
§ Mr. SextonIs it not about time the Forestry Commission were doing something in the county of Durham, after 18 months of promises during which nothing has been done?
§ Sir G. CourthopeI would point out that Durham is not an area by itself. We have already acquired more than 10,000 acres within the Special Area of which Durham forms part, and we are in negotiation for a further nearly 8,000 acres, but the legal formalities are not yet completed. Those 8,000 acres include land in the county of Durham.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is plenty of land for this purpose available in the county of Durham, and why do not the Commission take immediate action in the matter?
§ Sir G. CourthopeWe are taking immediate and continuous action.
§ 79. Mr. Sextonasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres have been definitely secured, under the scheme to assist to reduce unemployment in the Special Areas, in or near the Special Areas of South Wales and Durham, respectively; and the total cost of such land in each of the respective areas?
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe Forestry Commissioners have secured in South Wales under the Special Areas scheme 2,518 acres of plantable land, 509 acres of agricultural land for nurseries and workers' holdings, etc., and other assets at a cost of £22,000. The net cost of the plantable land was £8,600. No land has been secured in or near Durham under the scheme.