HC Deb 21 July 1927 vol 209 cc588-9W
Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth as representing the Forestry Commissioners the total number of small holdings at present occupied by landholders and statutory small tenants on the land owned by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland; the total number of new small holdings constituted by the Forestry Commission in Scotland during each year of their operations; the acreage of land owned by the Forestry Commission in Scotland at the end of each year of their existence; and the number of small holdings it is intended to constitute on the Scottish estates of the Forestry Commission during the current year?

Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER

There are 27 small holdings at present occupied by landholders and statutory small tenants on land owned by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland; in addition 92 forest-workers' holdings have been constituted by the Forestry Commission in Scotland, two in the forest year (ended 30th September) 1925, 39 in the forest year 1926 and 51 in the current year to date; a further 47 are in course of formation and of these 20 should be completed within the current year.

The acreage of land (plantable and unplantable) owned by the Forestry Commission in Scotland at the end of each forest year of their existence from 1920 to 1926 inclusive was (in thousands) 30, 61, 88, 107, 141, 191 and 237.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, seeing that the present limit of cost for the formation of forest-workers' holdings is hindering the work of their constitution in the Western Highlands where they are particularly required, the Forestry Commission proposes to seek sanction for a greater expenditure than £800 for a completed holding in these districts?

Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER

The Forestry Commissioners are not proposing at present to seek sanction for a greater expenditure than £800 on the provision of house, outbuildings and equipment on each holding. The cost of the land is not included in the £800.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth as representing the Forestry Commissioners how many forest-workers' holdings have been constituted in Scotland in each year since and including 1924; how many it is proposed to constitute this year and next year, respectively; what are the conditions of tenure; and whether the holders in Scotland enjoy the benefits of the Scottish Small Holdings Acts?

Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER

With reference to the first part of the question, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to his first question above. The main conditions of tenure are employment in the forest, due payment of rent and termination of tenancy by either side on notice. Consequently forest-workers' holdings are not subject to the terms of the Scottish Small Holdings Acts.