Mr. GOULOasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, in view of the increasing unemployment in this country, steps can be taken immediately to put into operation the schemes for the re-afforestation of waste areas in England and Wales and to apply such 1164W schemes to the fullest extent possible with the object of finding employment for every man capable of working out of doors and also to increase the nation's wealth by lessening our great dependence upon foreign countries for our timber supplies?
§ Mr. FORESTIER -WALKERThe Forestry Commission are planting up to the maximum that is possible with the funds which were put at their disposal by the Forestry Act. At the end of last year, however, they submitted schemes to the Ministry of Labour which would give a certain amount of extra employment during this spring and summer in clearing, fencing, draining, and road-making. I believe that these schemes are still under consideration. The general scheme of planting could be very considerably extended in future years if the Forestry Fund were increased, but the present programme will utilise practically all the plants that will be available for some time, and, therefore, an increase of the fund would not lead to any appreciable immediate increase of employment.