HC Deb 10 February 1953 vol 511 cc205-6
20. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to take steps to amend the remit of the Forestry Commission in Scotland so that it can undertake amenity planting as it can in England.

Mr. J. Stuart

The statutory powers of the Commission are the same in Scotland as in England. In the planting and development of all their forests the Commission pay due regard to amenity considerations.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind, in relation to the Forestry Commission, the value of amenity planting, particularly for the tourist industry and particularly for the future?

Mr. Stuart

Yes, Sir.

Mr. M. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Forestry Commission will hardly look at any plans for afforestation involving less than 300 acres and completely neglect the whole problem of shelter belts and amenity planting? Can he do something about it?

Mr. Stuart

I should not say that the Forestry Commission ignore the whole problem of shelter belts; I have seen some planted by the Commission. I should welcome anything in the way of amenity planting.