HC Deb 30 November 1943 vol 395 c193
44. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the purchasers of Rosneath Estate sold all the growing timber; that the timber in question is being removed; and what steps is he prepared to take to have the cleared areas replanted?

Mr. Johnston

Yes Sir, I am informed that the Home Timber Production Department of the Ministry of Supply issued licences to fell timber on Rosneath Estate in November, 1941. I understand that the post-war plans of the Forestry Commission envisage the planting of cleared woodland areas in private ownership, and I have drawn their attention to the position on this estate.

Mr. McKinlay

Is the Minister aware that the people who purchased this estate have taken everything out and put nothing in, that they removed the drainage tiles from the estate and that the agricultural land suffered accordingly? Is there no protection against this kind of thing?

Mr. Johnston

The precise Question on the Order Paper deals with forests, and, as I have indicated, I have drawn the attention of the Forestry Commission to the position on this estate.