HC Deb 16 March 1961 vol 636 cc1746-7
43. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will instruct the Forestry Commission to refuse to approve grants or loans to private afforestation concerns proposing to plant in national parks until their afforestation schemes are approved by the local National Park Committee.

Mr. Vane

No, Sir.

Mr. Boyden

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been very considerable dismay among farmers' committees since they have heard about the scheme for private afforestation, particularly in the South-West? Would not this method be a most effective way of controlling private afforestation?

Mr. Vane

No, Sir. I know that there has been certain concern, though "dismay" is rather too strong. It is certainly not the Forestry Commission's responsibility to make or to withhold grants other than in pursuance of its duty to promote the interests of forestry. The Forestry Commission and the National Parks Commission have recently entered into a voluntary agreement with the interests concerned under the leadership of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, and it is hoped that that will solve the difficulty.