HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 cc50-1W
61. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can yet make a statement about the proposals for the compulsory purchase for afforestation of a large area in the Towy Valley.

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes. I should welcome an opportunity of explaining the position.

A draft Order for the compulsory purchase of some 11,450 acres was published on 18th September, 1950, objections were lodged and a public local inquiry into them was held. The report of the inspector appointed to hold the inquiry was submitted to me on 20th November, 1951.

I have examined the proposals and considered the objections as reported by the inspector. After considering all the circumstances, including the country's financial and economic situation, my conclusion—with which the Forestry Commission concurs—is that it is not expedient to proceed with the project, which would involve heavy capital expenditure as a preliminary to a programme extending over 20 years. I have, therefore, after consulting my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary and Minister for Welsh Affairs decided not to make an Order.

The decision in this particular case must not be regarded as indicating that the importance and urgency of increasing our home production of timber has in any way lessened. As the House will recognise, the need to increase the national resources of growing trees in Great Britain is very acute, and I am satisfied not only that a substantial part of this increase must come from the afforestation of bare land by the State, but also that the upland areas of Wales, including the Towy area, must continue to make a sustained contribution to this objective.

I look with confidence to all concerned to do everything they can to achieve this result by co-operation with the Forestry Commission and by individual effort to develop new plantations and restore derelict woodlands. The Forestry Commission will assist owners and others to the maximum extent possible by way of advice and, where appropriate, grants to private individuals and co-operative associations who apply themselves to the task of getting more growing trees.

I am convinced that given goodwill and co-operation between the interests concerned, agriculture and forestry can be complementary and of the greatest benefit to each other and to the nation.