§ 46. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister without Portfolio whether legislation is contemplated to enable the Forestry Commission to undertake an enlarged forestry programme?
§ The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)Legislation would be necessary only if it were intended to alter the constitution of the Forestry Commission or to extend the wide powers which they possess under the Act of 1919. It would perhaps also be necessary on certain minor issues in relation to the dedication proposals and in regard to the proposals for fire protection and continuation of felling licences. If anything I may have said in the course of my speech in the Debate on Tuesday last conveyed a different impression, I am glad of this opportunity of correcting it.
§ Mr. MathersThe right hon. and learned Gentleman, I think, is saying "No," to the specific Question I put, and I simply want to ask him whether, in respect of the Scottish activities of the Forestry Commission, he will endeavour 26 to see that nothing is done that will impinge upon other activities in Scotland that come within the province of the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Sir W. JowittI think that is a long way from the Question, but I said on Tuesday last that all these matters are being dealt with.