THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government if they arc aware that shortage of labour is making it difficult for private estates to begin the replanting of their woodlands as soon, and on as large a scale, as the owners would desire; and if they are prepared to make available for this purpose a certain proportion of the German prisoners in this country; or, if need be, bring prisoners specially from Germany.
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§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY Or AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON)The Government are fully aware of the position regarding the shortage of labour for forestry purposes and a scheme has been instituted for the training of ex-Service-men as forest workers. Training will be given on private estates or in State forests. Particulars of the scheme are being sent to the noble Earl. It is not proposed to divert German prisoners from food production or other work of outstanding importance; but war agricultural executive committees have been instructed to do their best to allot prisoners for forestry work when they can be spared from agriculture. It is not proposed to bring prisoners specially from Germany where they will most likely be needed by the Control Commission for the exploitation of the German woodlands.