HC Deb 03 July 1963 vol 680 cc369-70
28. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that in Caithness and Sutherland the Forestry Commission has been unable to secure land suitable for a forestation, which remains unused for any purpose other than sport; and if he will now instruct the Forestry Commission to begin to use the compulsory powers which it possesses.

Mr. Brooman-White

The Forestry Commission already has about 17,000 acres under plantations in Caithness and Sutherland and another 10,000 acres awaiting planting. While the scope for further a forestation in these counties is limited there is no reason to believe that the possibilities of acquiring more land by voluntary negotiation are by any means exhausted, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the situation does not justify the use of his compulsory powers.

Sir D. Robertson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my Question is based on information which I have received from senior and junior forestry commissioners in Scotland at a meeting which I held with them recently? It is quite wrong that a statement of this kind should be made which is completely at variance with the facts. Scotland is desperately short of timber, and we can do with the employment which it will provide.

Mr. Brooman-White

I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman about the desirability of extending the Forestry Commission's activities where suitable ground can be found. All I said was that our present evidence does not show any reason to believe that compulsory powers are necessary in Caithness and Sutherland. I will gladly discuss any particular case with the hon. Member.

Mr. Ross

Is the Under-Secretary aware not only that the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir D. Robertson) feels strongly about this but that the Crofters Commission has urged on the Government a much more energetic and strongly used power in relation to a forestation and the acquisition of land?

Mr. Brooman-White

I cannot add to what I have said. We have no evidence from any source at the moment that the situation would justify the use of compulsory powers.