HC Deb 24 June 1924 vol 175 cc259-60W
Mr. T. JOHNSTON

asked the right hon. Member for Tiverton, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the number of man-weeks of employment paid for by the Forestry Commissioners for the years 1919 to 1923, each year being given separately?

Mr. ACLAND

The Forestry Commissioners were appointed on the 29th November, 1919; the number of man-weeks employment paid for by them has been as follows:

Year. Man-weeks.
1920 14,900
1921 43,300
1922 54,300
1923 69,500
In addition, the following employment on estates of corporate bodies and private individuals resulted from Grant Schemes in relief of unemployment:
Planting season. Man-weeks.
1921–22 45,000
1922–23 58,000

Mr. T. JOHNSON

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the economic success of the afforestation of their water-catchment areas by the Corporation of Liverpool and the County Council of Lanarkshire; that such afforestation is recommended by experts as of great benefit to the purity and extent of the water supply; and what steps it is proposed to take to induce other local authorities to adopt this method of reducing unemployment.

Mr. ACLAND

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Forestry Commissioners are aware of the afforestation schemes referred to and of the beneficial results. They are, in fact, acting in partnership with Liverpool Corporation in respect of the Lake Vyrnwy Scheme. Local authorities have been notified by letter or by public announcement of the State grants which have been available during the last three seasons for afforestation work in relief of unemployment, and 60 schemes have resulted. Similar action is proposed for next planting season.