§ 45. Mr. John E. Haireasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will introduce legislation to curtail the reckless cutting down of young trees for firewood.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)No, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade already exercises control of fellings under emergency powers, and I am not convinced that further control by me is necessary.
§ Mr. HaireAre there no steps which can be taken to stop this vandalism in our beech woods, especially in Bedfordshire, where racketeers cut down growing timber for firewood?
§ Mr. WilliamsI understand that my right hon. and learned Friend must grant a licence before felling can take place, except up to a maximum quantity of 250 cubic feet a month without licence.
Mr. VaneIs the Minister aware that complaints are coming from all over England and that growing timber is being cut in nearly every county without licence, and is he further aware that it is common knowledge that the control administered by his right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade is an utter farce?
§ Mr. WilliamsPerhaps the hon. Member will bring those facts to the notice of my right hon. and learned Friend?
§ Earl WintertonWill the Minister do nothing to interfere with the rotation cutting of underwood crops in Kent and Sussex, which is a very valuable trade there, and the refuse of which is used for firewood; and is he aware that many people who do not know the country from Piccadilly when they see underwood being cut, are under the impression that the tree is being felled?
§ Mr. DraysonIs the Minister aware that the necessity of cutting down these trees is entirely the responsibility of the Minister of Fuel and Power.