THE EARL OF HARROWBYasked Her Majesty's Government whether any means exist to ensure that Government Departments and Government-aided bodies fell for sale, in relief to the taxpayer and in the interests of amenities, dead and dying timber on property in their ownership before it is too late for value, and if this is not so, what steps will be taken to ensure that these means are available in future.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)The decision whether any timber on land in the ownership of a Government Department or grant-aided body should be felled would normally be a matter for the authority owning the land. No central machinery exists to ensure that dead or dying timber is disposed of, but the advice of the Forestry Commission is always available on technical matters. If the noble Earl has any particular case in mind in which he thinks that either the interests of the taxpayer or the claims of amenity are being neglected, and will let me have details. I shall be glad to look into the matter further.