HC Deb 22 January 1969 vol 776 cc467-8
15. Mr. Kimball

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the administrative control exercised by his Department in the field of forestry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Mackie

Administrative control for forestry is vested in the Forestry Commission, not in my Department, although as the Forestry Minister for England my right hon. Friend can get advice on the broader aspects of forestry from his senior agricultural officials as well as from the Commission.

Mr. Kimball

Is the Minister aware that there appears to be absolutely no control at present over research projects? The Natural Environment Research Council is expanding its forestry institute, the Nature Conservancy is expanding its forestry research and now the Forestry Commission is building a new Forestry Research Unit at Edinburgh. This is empire-building and a waste of the taxpayers' money of the worst sort. Will the Minister look at it?

Mr. Mackie

Yes.

Mr. Hooson

Is the Minister also aware that there appears to be no control of private afforestation and that in central Wales many of the best sheep walks have been purchased by private forestry interests, thus causing great resentment among sheep farmers?

Mr. Mackie

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is, of course, responsible for forestry in Wales and it might be better for the hon. and learned Member to address his question to him. I am, however, surprised in any event that a member of the Liberal Party is worried about too much freedom.