Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Forestry Commission has taken over any of the duties and functions of the Office of Woods?
§ Mr. FORESTIER - WALKERThe Forestry Commission has not yet taken over any of the duties and functions of the Office of Woods, although, as an interim arrangement, the Assistant Forestry Commissioner for England and Wales is acting as Joint Secretary of the Office of Woods in charge of the Forestry Branch under the President of the Ministry of Agriculture. A Bill is being drafted to provide for the transfer of Crown Woods to the Forestry Commission, and will shortly be submitted to Parliament.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the number of acres that have been planted with the seedlings taken over by the Commissioners from other Government authorities?
§ Mr. FORESTIER - WALKER1,589 acres have been planted by the Forestry Commission with seedlings taken over from other Government authorities.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what progress has been made in the direction of settling men in small holdings in connection with afforestation schemes?
§ Mr. FORESTIER - WALKERAn afforestation scheme is in operation at Borgie, in Sutherlandshire, where 10 small holders have been settled by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. Similar schemes are under consideration.