§ 3.7 p.m.
§ EARL DE LA WARRMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are yet in a position to announce any alteration in the grant to private woodland owners.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)My Lords, I had hoped to make a statement to-day, but I much regret that I am not yet in a position to do so. I am afraid that I cannot at the moment foresee when I shall be able to make a statement, but I hope that it will be possible to make some announcement early in the New Year.
§ EARL, DE LA WARRMy Lords, arising out of that Answer—or, if the noble Earl will forgive me, I would describe it as a failure to answer—may I ask the noble Earl whether he remembers that during the debate on forestry on October 29 many of us who are interested in that subject agreed not to deal with any of these matters, including the Watson Report, because we were promised a full debate on the subject at a later stage? Indeed, during his speech the noble Earl informed us that he would welcome a debate between then and, Christmas. I should like also to ask the noble Earl whether he realises that at the Government's request I have repeatedly deferred this actual Question, and that we ultimately mutually agreed on this date. Two days ago I agreed not to press my Question, on the understanding that Her Majesty's Government would answer me if I put it down again next week.
1082 My Lords, I am attempting to keep my remarks in the form of questions, and if I do not entirely succeed, I ask your Lordships' indulgence. But I would ask: Does the noble Earl not think, in view of what I have just said, that it is reasonable that we should feel that the time has come to utter a strong protest? And does he remember that the Watson Report was in the Government's hands in May, 1956, and that it was not published till December, 1956, and then only under strong pressure? Finally, I would ask the noble Earl whether he realises that landowners have made a tremendous effort at replanting, actually exceeding what was expected of them—and this in spite of two considerable wage increases. I had other questions, my Lords, but I will satisfy myself with those.
§ THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRYMy Lords, may I ask the noble Earl whether he wishes to make it clear that the Government really desire forestry to take its place as an important national industry in this country? And may I assure him that there are a large number of people who wish to do their part and to help the Government and the country in an expansion of forestry, such as there is in other countries.
EARL WALDEGRAVEMy Lords, may I ask the noble Earl whether he does not think that this, what one can only call continual policy of procrastination may lead the leaders of private forestry in this country to be unable to retain the confidence of the woodland owners, which may lead to the breakdown of the whole of the negotiating machinery that has been so patiently built up?
THE EARL OF MANSFIELDMy Lords, arising further from the reply, do Her Majesty's Government realise that agricultural wages, which include the wages of forestry workers, are rising all the time that timber prices are not rising, and that, unless a more realistic attitude is adopted by Her Majesty's Government, the whole future of the expansion of private woodlands may be jeopardised?
§ LORD LAWSONMy Lords, may I ask this question, expressing the hope that this matter will receive very close consideration? Will the Government say 1083 that, if there are any grants given in this connection, there will also be some control of the cutting; and will they ensure that there is an opportunity for opinions to be expressed upon that matter in the neighbourhood of the plantations?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, on that last point, felling is at the moment controlled by licence. I think the noble Lord realises that felling can be undertaken only under a licence from the Forestry Commission. As regards the points raised by other noble Lords, I appreciate that they have a feeling of frustration in this matter. I have a certain sympathy with them, and I only wish that I were in a position to tell them more. All I can say is that I hope that in the very early part of the New Year some announcement will be possible.
§ THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAMSHIREMy Lords, will the noble Earl pass on the feeling of frustration to those concerned, and make sure it is known that this House is anxious for some announcement to be made as soon as possible?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I can assure the noble Earl that, wherever it is necessary. I shall see that the remarks of noble Lords are passed on.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, would the noble Earl say whether he is expressing a hope or making a promise?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I can promise the noble Lord that a statement will be made at some time; and I hope, as I have said, that it will be early in the New Year.