HC Deb 11 May 1964 vol 695 cc11-2
11. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what efforts he is making to draw public attention to the Forestry Exhibition on 17th and 18th June at Blackbushe, near Camberley, in view of the fact that this is the first exhibition of its kind to be held in Great Britain since 1888.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The Forestry Commission has been in touch with national organisations concerned with forestry, land use, amenity and the countryside who have arranged to publicise the exhibition among their members; posters and leaflets have been widely distributed, and Press and B.B.C. announcements are being made. The co-operation of bodies who might bring it to the attention of overseas visitors is also being sought.

Mr. Davies

I am sure that both sides of the House are grateful to the Government for encouraging this exhibition. Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that it is 80 years since we had such an exhibition? Will he see that the maximum publicity is given to it and suggest that those in the House who are interested in forestry should visit this shop-window of forestry, an industry which Britain really needs in order to catch up with the deforestation of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Yes, Sir, and I hope that as many visitors as possible will see the exhibition.

Mr. Snow

Will the exhibition include information for the public about access to forestry land—having due regard to fire risks—bearing in mind that there has been criticism recently of the unduly restrictive attitude towards the public obtaining such access?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I hope that the Forestry Commission will note what the hon. Member has said.