§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTfurther asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Government factory for the manufacture of acetate of lime for conversion into acetone has yet been opened in the Forest of Dean; how much cordwood has been collected on the premises for conversion into this and other products by destructive distillation at the factory; how much of such cordwood will annually be required for the continuous working of the factory, and what particular species of wood are preferred for the purpose; and whether the whole of this wood can and will be supplied from the surrounding Crown properties, or whether any and, if any, what proportion will be obtained from outside sources?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Wood Distillation Works in the Forest of Dean will, it is hoped, be opened this month. About 1,225 cords of wood have been collected at the works from the Crown forests. It is estimated that about 3,360 cords of wood will be required annually, and of this quantity about 2,000 cords will be obtained from the Crown woods, the remainder being obtained from outside sources. Oak and beech are specially suitable for the purpose in view.