§ 11. Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what rôle he is planning for his Department in general, and the Forestry Commission in particular, in relation to the Plant a Tree Year in 1973.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy Department and the Forestry Commission will be in very close touch with the Department of the Environment about the part they can appropriately play in the success of the Tree Planting Year, but it is too soon to say exactly what form this might take.
§ Mr. ChapmanI thank my hon. Friend for that encouraging reply. In agreeing to this close co-operation, will either my hon. Friend or his right hon. Friend consider taking a place on the committee set up by the Secretary of State to advise on encouraging this excellent venture?
§ Mr. StodartSince I am always rather reluctant to sit on Committees, I am hesitant to express any glowing enthusiasm for the suggestion but I will bear my hon. Friend's point in mind.
§ Mr. DalyellIf the hon. Gentleman cannot say the exact form this will take, can he say what general form it will take?
§ Mr. StodartIt will be part of our job to see that the campaign catches on in the countryside; this is a major part of it. In that case we shall try to see that the support of the N.F.U. is enlisted.