HC Deb 08 December 1947 vol 445 c788
59. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total areas purchased, felled, planted and replanted, respectively, in the last forest year by the Forestry Commission.

Mr. T. Williams

The figures for Great Britain are: purchased or leased, 22,916; felled, 719 acres; planted, 17,577 acres; replanted, 8,695 acres.

60. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Agriculture what area the Forestry Commission propose to purchase, fell, plant and replant in the current forest year.

Mr. T. Williams

It is proposed to plant 23,000 acres, to fell 704 acres, and to replant 13,000 acres. The present programme of the Forestry Commission would call for the acquisition of 179,000 acres in the current year, and as much of this area as possible will be acquired.

Mr. Parker

Would the Minister make it quite clear that there is no proposal to cut this programme in the present period of crisis?

Mr. Williams

There is certainly no proposal to cut the programme, although I am not sure that we shall be able to buy all the land we wish this year.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Will the Minister give an assurance that this large planting programme does not endanger the proper care and maintenance of existing plantations?

Mr. Williams

I do not think that what we buy for future planting has anything to do with existing plantations.