§ 56. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the number of deer killed in the New Forest to supply meat to Northerwood House, Lyndhurst, in 1948 and to the latest convenient date in 1949, respectively; and what has been the expense involved including the time of Forestry Commission employees.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe killing of deer in the New Forest is part of the normal protection of the plantations and the cost is not accounted for separately. In all, 121 deer were killed in 1948, and 55 up to 30th April this year. Northerwood House received roughly one-sixth of the venison and was charged the controlled price for it.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreCan the Minister say why he thinks it right that week-end parties given by the Forestry Commission at Northerwood House should have this special privilege of having deer meat from the New Forest when that meat could very well be used for far better purposes?
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreCan the Minister say why one-sixth of the total number of deer killed in the New Forest should be given to the Forestry Commission for their own parties?
Mr. WilliamsI think that the hon. Gentleman ought not to imply that the venison consumed at Northerwood House is being consumed by week-end parties given by the Forestry Commission. As he must know, all kinds of students from all parts of the country visit that area.