HC Deb 08 March 1938 vol 332 cc1717-8
69. Mr. Thurtle

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether his attention has been called to the fact that two students at the Government school of forestry, Parkend, Forest of Dean, have been fined 24s. each and given extra tasks, consisting of a month's fire duty, for refusing to take part in a deer hunt; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

Colonel Ropner

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that in the case of the two students at the school referred to the bonus which may be paid to them at the end of their course will be reduced by 24s., and that they were put on a month's fire picket duty. The reason was that they had refused to obey instructions to turn out as beaters at a deer drive. The killing of deer, rabbits, etc., is in some places an essential protective forestry operation, and the two students failed to keep their signed agreement to perform any duty allotted to them.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this deer hunt took place in the close-season and that, therefore, the duty of taking part in it was even more repugnant to these students than otherwise would have been the case?

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. Thurtle

On a point of Order. The hon. and gallant Gentleman was about to rise to answer my supplementary question, and may I not have an answer to it?

Mr. Speaker

I think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman rose to answer another question. The hon. Member is giving information, and is not asking a question.

Mr. Thurtle

On a point of Order. I was seeking to establish the fact that there was a real grievance so far as these students were concerned by means of my supplementary question.

Colonel Ropner

However unpleasant this duty may appear to some foresters, the deer in the Forest of Dean do an immense amount of harm to young plantations, and it is necessary to keep their numbers down.