§ 56. Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that his department can carry out the forestry policy of the Government while the issue of felling licences and the fixing of prices to timber growers is under the control of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the information:
§ The Forestry Act, 1945, was passed in June, 1945. The area of land acquired by the Forestry Commission during the year ended 30th September, 1944, was 14,491 acres, of which 9,439 acres were plantable; during the year ended 30th September, 1945, 86,249 acres were acquired, of which 33,984 acres were plantable; and during the year ended 30th September, 1946, 27,993 acres were acquired of which 16,994 acres were plantable.
§ The separate details by countries are:
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am satisfied that the controls exercised by the Board of Trade which are necessary in the present abnormal conditions are not prejudicial to the steps now being taken to develop the Government's forest policy. Later, no doubt, changes will be needed.
§ Mr. YorkIs the Minister aware that the Forestry Act, 1945, places upon the shoulders of the Minister of Agriculture the duty of administering forests and forestry? How can he do that while the two main parts of forestry work are in other hands?
§ Mr. WilliamsThat happens to be the case.