HC Deb 07 February 1949 vol 461 cc31-2
51. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Agriculture on what dates in 1948 the Forestry Commission notified the nursery trade, first provisionally and secondly finally, what surplus of seedlings and transplants were being made available for the planting season 1948–49; and what proportion of such plants were in the hands of the trade in time to be planted out in the autumn of 1948.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Provisionally on 23rd July, and finally on 1st or 2nd December in England and Wales and on 4th December in Scotland. The answer to the last part of the Question is "none."

Mr. Vane

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise that this most valuable and

helpful gesture on the part of the Forestry Commission is reduced by about 50 per cent. if he does not let the nursery trade have those plants in time for the autumn planting season?

Mr. Williams

I understand that the Forestry Commission are very anxious to give as early notice as they possibly can.