HC Deb 02 December 1959 vol 614 cc133-4W
Mr. T. W. Jones

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of the extent of the fires in the woodlands of the Forestry Commission in the Aberdovey district, the financial loss which has resulted, and the cause thereof; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hare

The only fire of any consequence in this district in 1959 destroyed two acres of young plantations in the Commission's Dovey Forest on 20th August. It was apparently caused by lightning igniting vegetation. The loss to the Commission, including the cost of extinguishing it, was £144. The prompt help given by local residents in reporting and fighting the fire was invaluable.

head Borough at the last convenient date, as compared with the same figures for the previous year; what increase is shown; what this represents as a percentage, and as a percentage of the total working population; and how this compares with the number of unfilled vacancies for the same period.

Mr. Heath

The following tables give the information desired: