HC Deb 19 December 1935 vol 307 cc1971-2W
Mr. LAMBERT

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what is the acreage planted by the Forestry Commission in Devonshire; the estimated acreage to be planted; and the number of men employed, together with the remuneration of the men engaged in planting?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

The area planted by the Forestry Commission in Devonshire, up to 30th September last, is 5,983 acres. The planting programme for the current season is 360 acres, and 85 men are at present employed. The weekly rate of remuneration on a day-work basis is 35s.; but wherever possible the work is done at piece rates, which enable the men to earn approximately 25 per cent. more.

Sir W. JENKINS

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what land has been taken for smallholdings in South Wales; what is the acreage and where situated; what number of men is employed; and what number is likely to be employed within the next three years?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

The number and acreage of forest workers' holdings established in the six South Wales counties is as follows:

Number of Holdings. Acreage.
Cardigan 18 149
Radnor 12 134
Brecknock 8 103
Carmarthen 35 340
Glamorgan 14 198
Monmouth 37 224
124 1,148
Each holding provides for at least one forest worker but occasionally two. The above holdings will be maintained, but development over the next two or three years cannot at present be foreseen.

Sir W. JENKINS

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what acreage has been taken in South Wales for afforestation and where situated; what number of men are now employed; and what number of men will be employed for 1936–37 approximately?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

The plantable acreage acquired in South Wales is 39,065 acres, situated as follows:

Acres.
Brecknock 3,762
Cardigan 6,847
Carmarthen 10,039
Glamorgan 8,291
Monmouth 7,674
Radnor 2,452
The number of men now employed is 274; the number to be employed in the season 1936–27 is estimated as slightly higher.