§ Mr. MILLSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what steps are being taken to replenish and develop the afforestation of this country, in view of the number of unemployed ex-service men trained during the War in this branch of industry?
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKER (for the Forestry Commission)The Forestry Commission have acquired 40,500 acres of land, and are in treaty for a further 45,200 acres. They have actually planted 1,400 acres during the planting season, which is now closing. They have engaged several ex-service men as forest officers and in other capacities and have employed many on planting. There are, however, undoubtedly far more ex-service men with some training in forestry than can be employed by the Forestry Commission, as, although the afforestation programme of the Commission is on an expanding basis, their operations are limited both by the funds at their disposal and by the stocks of seedlings likely to 1245W be available for planting out during the next few years. I must add that men who have been employed in felling and converting timber during the War cannot be regarded as being trained in forestry.