HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 cc1055-6
40. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any further statement to make regarding the measures to be taken to clear the fallen timber in Scottish forests, due to the storm of 31st January.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. McNair Snadden)

My right hon. Friend is of the opinion that he cannot usefully make any further statement at present but he intends to do so shortly.

Lady Tweedsmuir

I should like to ask two questions. First, when does the Minister expect the statement to be made, and, secondly, is he aware that leading members of the Forestry Commission have expressed the view that it will take at least two years with the present resources to clear this timber; and will he impress on his right hon. Friend the need for any action which the Government can take to see that this timber is cleared within a year, if it is not to deteriorate, because these are important national stocks of timber?

Mr. Snadden

I cannot say exactly on what day my right hon. Friend will make a statement. I can only say that it will be very shortly. With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend is fully aware of all these considerations, and I think that it would be better if we were to await the full statement which he will make to the House.

Mr. Manuel

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the Forestry Commission have mobilised their manpower and mechanisation in order that this work may be quickly proceeded with?

Mr. Snadden

Our most recent information is that the Forestry Commission are very quickly getting down to this job in every possible way.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Can my hon. Friend give the House any view as to the proportion of the fallen timber which comprises Scottish firs and other softwood, which is likely to deteriorate within nine to 12 months unless it is peeled and stacked.

Mr. Snadden

I cannot give that information without notice. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put the question down.

Mr. Steele

Is the reason for his right hon. Friend having some difficulty about making a statement because of the delay in visiting these areas?

Mr. Snadden

No, Sir.

Captain Duncan

Will my hon. Friend inform his right hon. Friend of the importance of planning now for this timber to be cleared from the woods within a year, whereas the subsequent handling of the timber and its conversion into sawn timber can wait for the second year?

Mr. Snadden

My right hon. Friend is intensely interested in this tremendous problem, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all these matters are very much in his mind at the present time.