§ Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether there are any other items, in addition to £497 for cottage, etc., £1,600 for 200 acres of plantable land and 200 acres of unplantable land, total £2,097, that go to make up the capital cost of a forest holding; and, if so, what they are and how much they cost?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI have been asked to reply. As the hon. and gallant Member was informed on the 24th ultimo by the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, the average capital cost of a forest worker's holding, including the land attached to it, is £497. Plant-able land is acquired for timber production, but at an average price of less than half the amount mentioned in the question.
§ Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what arrangements are being made to train prospective forest holders from the distressed areas in the North of England in stock management, so that they may be able to get some return for the land in their occupation?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI have been asked to reply. Advice on stock management would be obtained from the County Agricultural Organiser as and when required.
§ Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston 2301W Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what proportion of their planting in Northumberland will be composed of Scotch firs; and to what purpose will this timber be put when grown?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI have been asked to reply. The proportion of Scots pine which will be planted by the Forestry Commission in their Northumberland areas will be small, possibly 5 per cent. The timber will be used as pitprops and pitwood and for construction, joinery and many other purposes.