§ 27. Major McCallumasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how Scottish Forestry Commissioners are appointed and on whose nomination; and what were the qualifications of the Rev. J. E. Hamilton and Major John Stirling, of Fairburn, who were recently appointed to the Commission.
§ Mr. WoodburnForestry Commissioners are appointed under Statute by Royal Warrant. Both the Rev. J. E. Hamilton and Major John Stirling were appointed by reason of their keen interest in forestry and their record of public work in Scotland.
§ Major McCallumIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a certain anxiety amongst those interested in forestry that although the qualifications of the first named of these two gentlemen may be very good for other reasons he has no experience whatever of forestry, whereas the second is well known as a highly qualified expert in forestry?
§ Mr. WoodburnI think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman and his friends are under a misunderstanding. The Forestry Commission only requires to have four people who are expert in forestry. The Commission is an administrative body which requires people versed in the law and other forms of public administration. The gentleman named is versed in the law as well as in public administration.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, worthy as this man is, there would be somebody more useful to the Forestry Commission by reason of his background, because it is well known that this man has no back-ground in forestry?
§ Mr. WoodburnI believe that he is a most outstanding man in administration and experience.