HC Deb 25 July 1966 vol 732 cc1186-7
10. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what is the reason for the delay in the publication of the 46th Report of the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Skeffington

The Report will be published on 3rd August. As the hon. Member knows, a major reorganisation of the Forestry Commission was undertaken last year following a Report by the Estimates Committee. Some temporary disturbance of the normal arrangements for the despatch of business was inevitable and it is largely for this reason that the 46th Report has been delayed.

Mr. Digby

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the House has been given very little information about the activities of the reconstituted Commission? It would be very inconvenient if this information were given during the Recess, even if it may be more convenient for Ministers.

Mr. Skeffington

I mentioned that the publication date is 3rd August, which will be before the Recess. My right hon. Friend is sorry that the report has not been available for the very good reason that the Commission has been carrying out the unanimous recommendations of the Estimate Committee. It would have been open to the hon. Gentleman to seek other information if he had so desired.

Mr. Rankin

Is the delay in any way due to the fact that the headquarters have been established in England instead of in Scotland?

Mr. Skeffington

I am happy to say that that is not the reason.