§ 2.35 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF SELBORNEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they can state the acreage owned or leased by or on behalf of the Forestry Commission, and how much of that acreage has been planted up by the Commission.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRI-CULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE EARL OF LISTOWEL)My Lords, the total area acquired through the Forestry Fund by September 30, 1950, was 1,668,000 acres, of which 1,357,000 acres was at the disposal of the Forestry Commission. The area under plantations was 673,000 acres, of which 603,000 acres had been planted by the Commission. Of the unplanted acreage, 331,000 acres constitutes the working reserve of plantable land. This acreage is less than the desirable minimum.