HC Deb 10 July 1923 vol 166 cc1197-8W
Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether his attention has been drawn to the Interim Report of the Agricultural Tribunal of Investigation (Cmd. 1842), dated 29th March, 1923, Section 39, headed Relief of Rural Unemployment; and whether, in view of the gloomy harvest prospects in the crofting counties of Scotland owing to the cold and wet weather during the summer, and of the large areas of ground formerly afforested in the county of Sutherland which were denuded of timber during the War, the Forestry Commissioners are prepared to consisder the extension at an early date of their present operations in Sutherland?

Mr. FORESTIER-WALKER

The Forestry Commissioners entirely agree Keith the Interim Report of the Agricultural Tribunal of Investigation, Section 39, with regard to relief of rural unemployment. In April last a definite scheme for the extension of the Commissioners' operations was submitted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but up to the present they have not received authority to make the timeous and adequate preparation which is essential.