§ 70. Sir P. Harrisasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he proposes to plant a belt of trees between the villages of West Dean and Jevington, in East Sussex; whether the chalk soil there is suitable for this purpose; and whether trees have ever been known to grow on the high ground of the East Sussex Downs exposed to wind?
§ Colonel RopnerThe Forestry Commissioners have already planted, and are continuing to plant, land between West Dean and Jevington in East Sussex. The main crop is to be beech, which grows well on chalk soils. The land rises from a few feet to 350 feet above sea level. There are many examples of beech 1719 plantations which have grown satisfactorily on equally exposed positions on the chalk downs in the south of England.
§ Sir P. HarrisWill the Forestry Commissioners do their best to protect the amenities and peculiar features of the Downs, which afford pleasure to thousands of people in Sussex?
§ Colonel RopnerYes, Sir, I am sure that they will do that.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonCan my hon. and gallant Friend say how much of the plantation is in beech?
§ Colonel RopnerOn the chalk soils of the Downs the final crop in nearly all cases will be of beech.
§ Captain HeilgersIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in this particular neighbourhood all attempts at planting beech have been a complete failure?
§ Colonel RopnerThat is not the experience of the Forestry Commission.
§ Sir Frank SandersonIs it not the fact that the trees referred to have grown appreciably since they were set?