HC Deb 15 March 1955 vol 538 cc1109-10
41. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many private owners of forests entered into dedication schemes in 1954.

Mr. J. Stuart

Sixty-one new estates were dedicated in Scotland during the forest year ended 30th September, 1954.

Mr. Hannan

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is a great decrease compared with the number in 1953? What steps is he taking to use his compulsory powers in these matters?

Mr. Stuart

I personally am averse to taking compulsory powers. The Forestry Commission is doing its best. There has not been a great difference in acreage compared with two years ago. Sixty-one estates account for 54,393 acres and we have 64 further estates in process of dedication.

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