§ 70. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether it is intended to initiate any schemes of afforestation or forest workers' holdings in Staffordshire; if so, in what part; is it intended to develop any scheme in the North Staffordshire area; and has a survey of the area been made and any land been acquired?
§ Colonel Sir George Courthope (Forestry Commissioner)Afforestation has been undertaken by the Forestry Commission at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, where they have acquired over 5,300 acres of land and have established it forest workers' holdings. The Department have particulars of all suitable areas in the county and although no further acquisitions are in immediate view they are prepared to negotiate for any suitable land which becomes available.
§ 71. Sir William Jenkinsasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, 1717 what number of schemes for planting trees they have established since 1932, giving each year separately, to the latest available date; stating the number of acres of land bought or leased; the number of men employed on each scheme; the number of families established permanently; the number of full-time officials and salaries paid in each grade; and the rates of wages paid to the ordinary employés, with separate particulars for Scotland, England and Wales?
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe information required is contained in the annual reports of the Forestry Commissioners and the Department's annual estimates. To give the information orally would entail reading many pages from these publications. With the permission of the House, therefore, I will refer the hon. Member to these reports and estimates and hand him copies of the latest issues.