HC Deb 25 May 1966 vol 729 c469
51. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland of the 24,000 acres of reserve for planting, held by the East Scotland Conservancy, how much is arable and grazing land, how much is unplantable, and how much is in the county of Aberdeen.

Mr. Willis

All the 24,000 acres are plantable. None is arable and about 3,400 acres are let temporarily as seasonal grazings. About 2,500 acres are in the county of Aberdeen.

Mr. Davidson

Is the hon. Gentleman a ware that certain Commission forests in the area are now not training any more young foresters and are refusing to establish unestablished foresters who have been working in the forests for anything up to 15 years, and that in the same area various private owners are planting arable land with trees? Does he not agree that that appears to be a sad state of affairs?

Mr. Willis

We will certainly consider what the hon. Gentleman has said, but it does nor, seem to be related to his Question.