HC Deb 10 May 1948 vol 450 cc1729-30
45. Mr. John Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied with the total of 10,878 acres woods thinned by the Forestry Commission in the year 1945–46; and what fraction this represents of their total woods between the ages of 15 and 50.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Yes, Sir. I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the figure given on page 17 of the Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the Forestry Commissioners for the year ending 30th September, 1946. This area is approximately 5 per cent. of the total woods of the Forestry Commission between the ages of 15 and 50.

Mr. Morrison

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate any improvement in these thinnings this year?

Mr. Williams

Yes. There was an increase last year of something like 3,500 acres, and that will continue to grow.