HC Deb 04 February 1943 vol 386 cc1051-2
49. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the effect on food production, he is watching the situation caused by the cutting down of trees in Lincolnshire on the rainfall of the county; and whether he is satisfied that the cutting down effected and proposed will not affect the rainfall?

Mr. Hudson

I see no reason to suppose that such tree-felling as is taking place in Lincolnshire will affect the rainfall, or have any detrimental effect on food production.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Is the Minister aware that Lincolnshire has about the least average rainfall of any county in England and that in the experience of other countries deforestation reduces rainfall?

Mr. Hudson

There has been no felling of timber in the Kesteven and Holland Divisions, and in Lindsey the felling of hedgerow timber is likely to assist food production.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Minister realise that deforestation is a great disadvantage, and is he doing anything to counterbalance the loss of trees by planting new ones?

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Will the Minister go and see the trees?