HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2089-90
82. Mr. De Chair

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how much work could be found for young men between the ages of 17 and 20 during the next three years on further afforestation; or whether, in the opinion of the Forestry, Commission, Great Britain has reached saturation point in the matter of afforestation?

Colonel Ropner

I have been asked to reply. There will be more work for men between the ages of 17 and 20 during the next three years on further afforestation, but the Commissioners cannot state the proportions of adult and juvenile workers. Great Britain has not reached saturation point in the matter of afforestation.

Mr. De Chair

Is it not the fact that there is enormous scope for further afforestation in this country?

Colonel Ropner

Speaking generally, the Forestry Commission experiences very little difficulty in acquiring all the land required within the limits set by the funds placed at its disposal.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Are these employés paid trade union rates, and has the hon. and gallant Gentleman any difficulty in finding labour?

Colonel Ropner

The rates of wages are very largely determined by the county rates of the agricultural wages boards.

83. Mr. De Chair

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how much land, within a radius of 10 miles of Brandon, has so far been acquired by the Forestry Commission; and how much of the remainder, which is not used for agricultural purposes, is suitable for development by the Forestry Commission?

Colonel Ropner

Forty-nine thousand, acres have been acquired by the Forestry Commissioners within a radius of 10 miles of Brandon. No detailed information is available as to how much of the remainder is suitable and available for development by the Commissioners.

Mr. De Chair

Is it not a fact that there are vast stretches which are at present completely barren and not used for anything, which could be put under timber?

Colonel Ropner

Yes, I think that is so.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman whether, instead of buying further land, the Forestry Commission would pay attention to the land which they already have; and is he aware that the New Forest is in a disgracefully neglected condition?

84. Mr. De Chair

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres of land there are in Great Britain, too derelict for agricultural use under present economic conditions, which would be suitable for planting up with trees?

Colonel Ropner

Assuming that the hon. Member has in mind land, such as rough pasture, which is not now cultivated, the Forestry Commissioners estimate that there may be some 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 acres in Great Britain suitable for the production of timber.

Mr. De Chair

Will the Commissioners get on with the planting of this 3,000,000 acres?

Colonel Ropner

I have given my hon. Friend the answer to that in reply to his first question.