HC Deb 06 December 1967 vol 755 cc1428-9
19. Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for setting up forestry training centres in Scotland, in view of the Government's announced intention to expand the planting programme of the Forestry Commission.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

I am satisfied that the facilities provided by the Forestry Commission for its own workers will be adequate to meet the needs of the new public planting programme.

Mr. Baker

Does not the hon. Gentleman realize that, apart from the Forestry Commission training centres and universities, there is no adequate training in forestry for private woodland owners' employees? Will he reconsider this matter and perhaps set up a training establishment in the north-ease of Scotland?

Dr. Mabon

I am aware of the situation. This is a matter for the Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Training Board, which is now discussing the setting up of agricultural and forestry training centres for workers who are not within the Forestry Commission's activities but are dealing with private land. This perhaps is the confusion which has arisen and the position is still being considered by the Training Board. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would like to ask my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour a further Question about that.

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