Sir H. COWANasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many working foresters or other outdoor workers are now employed by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland, respectively, and what number of other persons; how many of their employés have now been settled by the Commissioners, or with their assistance, on 1023W the land they have acquired or now control; and what acreage do such persons so occupy?
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERAccording to the latest Return (1st July) the number of working foresters or other outdoor workers employed by the Forestry Commissioners was in England and Wales 325, in Scotland 582 and in Ireland nil: the number of other persons was 41, 25 and nil respectively. Apart from seasonal or permanent workers accommodated in bothies, 46 employés and their families occupy houses with 100 acres of land belonging to the Commission, while 24 additional employés occupy small holdings. I regret that the figures for the exact area of small holdings are not available at the moment, but I shall be glad to send the information to my hon. Friend.