HC Deb 08 March 1923 vol 161 cc767-9W
Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether his attention has been drawn to the large area of burnt common land lying between Chobham and Sunningdale, just outside the borders of the Farnham Division

tribution of the United States commercial cotton crop during the season 1922–23 and the corresponding period of 1913–14, according to information published by the New York and New Orleans cotton exchanges:

export of goods from the United States of America to Canada for the years 1913 and 1922, and similar figures for the export of goods from this country to Canada?

Viscount WOLMER:

The following statement shows the total value of the exports from the United States and the United Kingdom to Canada in the years 1913 and 1922:

of Surrey; and whether, after consultation with the proper authorities, he will consider the advantage of replanting part of this area for the double purpose of finding employment for the unemployed and enhancing the beauty of the district, as he proposed to do with regard to the Devil's Jumps, near Farnham?

Mr. FORESTIER-WALKER:

The area referred to being common land could not be acquired by the Forestry Commissioners, except by the exercise of their compulsory powers under the Forestry Act, 1919. The policy of the Commissioners is, as far as possible, to acquire privately-owned land, and thereby to avoid any interference with commonable rights.

Mr. SAMUEL

further asked whether, in view of the opinion and wishes of the whole of the country side of West Surrey, it was proposed to proceed with the intention of enhancing the beauty of two of the three hills known as the Devil's Jumps, near Farnham, by destroying the heather and planting firs on them?

Mr. FORESTIER-WALKER:

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my answer to his question on the 26th February last, which states the intention of the Forestry Commissioners with regard to their land at Churt.