HC Deb 11 May 1943 vol 389 cc474-5
38. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister without Portfolio, whether he intends to publish a White Paper on Government policy on the future of forestry; and, if so, how soon it may be expected?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

The question of our future forest policy is now receiving the active consideration of the Government. A statement will be made in due course and without any avoidable delay, but I cannot say at present when, and in what form, it will be made.

Mr. Palmer

May we hope that it will be made before the end of the Session?

Sir W. Jowitt

I am not in a position to make any definite statement.

42. Mr. Palmer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to publish the Report of the Forestry Commission; and, if so, how soon it may be expected?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I have received from the Forestry Commission a Report on Post-War Forestry Policy, which is now being considered by His Majesty's Ministers. I cannot at the moment make any statement about publication.

Mr. Palmer

Can my right hon. Friend say when the Government are going to let the House have some idea of the future policy of the Forestry Commission? Is he not aware that this Report has been in the possession of the Government for some time and that this Report is a statement of Government policy? Can he say what is holding it up?

Sir K. Wood

I cannot say anything further at the moment, but I will take into consideration what my hon. Friend has said.

Sir A. Southby

In view of the widespread deforestation now going on, is it not important that planting should be undertaken as soon as possible and that some really properly co-ordinated plan should be undertaken in order to carry out that planting?

Sir K. Wood

My hon. Friend has just referred to that.

Mr. Neil Maclean

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends to publish the Report at an early date, as people want to know what the Forestry Commission are doing?

Sir K. Wood

I will consider what my hon. Friend says.

Mr. Maclean

Will the right hon. Gentleman act upon it?