HC Deb 02 June 1949 vol 465 cc2308-9
53. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the authority under which the Forestry Commissioners or their staff have powers to enter on to private land to carry out the woodland census contains any obligation to give prior notice to the owners or occupiers of the land or woodland.

Mr. T. Williams

No, Sir.

Mr. Vane

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be an improvement if notices were regularly given, and that would help to ensure the co-operation which he has not always had?

Mr. Williams

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that notice is given wherever possible, but sometimes these officers have to visit so many different areas that it is not possible to give notice in every case.

Mr. Vane

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that his information is incorrect? It is definitely the exception and not the rule for any notice to be given.

Mr. Williams

All the information which I give is correct.

Mr. Charles Williams

Why is it that the right hon. Gentlemen is not aware of what is apparently happening everywhere, namely, that these people drift up without any warning?