§ Mr. DAGGARasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the extent of the proposed programme for afforestation in the special areas, showing the acreage for South Wales and the northeast coast, respectively; and the annual cost of carrying out operations and the purchase of sufficient land for this purpose?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe proposed programme covers the acquisition and planting of 200,000 acres in and near the Special Areas in England and Wales and the establishment of 1,000 additional forest workers' holdings. Until the work of acquisition has math some progress, it will not be possible to forecast the areas to be dealt with in the different localities. It is estimated that the cost will be £200,000 in the first year and £350,000 in each of the second and third years.
§ Mr. MORGANasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the additional grant for the afforestation of 200,000 acres of land in the depressed areas during the next 10 years will include parts of the Black Country, where there is ample opportunity for reafforestation in slag-heap areas?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe scheme of afforestation in connection with the Special Areas relates to 200,000 acres in or within 15 miles of those areas and does not extend to what it usually known as the Black Country.