§ Major Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the recent Report of the Forestry Commissioners and the importance of timber developments on the industrial chemical side, whether copies of the Report, and the Debate thereon in this House, have been circulated to all Colonial Governments; whether plans are being made by them to accelerate commercial timber planting in the post-war period on an organised and progressive basis; and whether he has considered the setting up of a Forestry Advisory Committee to provide them with advice and assistance to stimulate more active timber growing developments throughout the Colonial Empire?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThe Report of the Forestry Commissioners has not been circulated to Colonial Governments as my right hon. Friend is advised that its recommendations are not generally applicable 441W to Colonial conditions. Possible developments in the Colonies on the industrial chemical side are being kept in mind. The regeneration and improvement of the growing stock is one of the prime objects of forest policy in the Colonies. Planting is not necessarily the most suitable method of regeneration of tropical forests, but in sub-tropical areas it is being actively and successfully pursued. The scope of the Colonial Advisory Council of Agriculture and Animal Health has been widened to include forestry, and a forestry committee of the Council has been formed consisting of experienced foresters and other technically qualified persons.