HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc26-7
54. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the minimum area of land which the Forestry Commission will consider for acquisition.

Mr. T. Williams

It is not possible to lay down a minimum area of land which the Forestry Commission will consider for acquisition. Comparatively small areas can be considered, if within working distance of an existing Forestry Commission area.

Mr. Vane

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in practice only very large areas are considered? Is it possible for him to give the Forestry Commission a special direction to consider smaller areas, particularly in development areas, where there is a certain amount of industrial waste land which is very suitable for planting but is always passed by?

Mr. Williams

I think the Forestry Commission are doing the best they can with the very limited labor supply available to them.

Colonel Ropner

Will the Minister say If this is a question only of the immediate supply of labour and, looking into the future, will he see that the Forestry Commission are made aware of the fact that in England. as opposed to Scotland, a large percentage of our woodlands is in small areas and should be taken into account?

Mr. Williams

I think the Forestry Commission are fully aware of this, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman will not be unmindful of the fact that many of the Forestry Commission technicians are in Germany producing timber for our housing difficulties.