§ Sir R. THOMASasked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that there is complaint that the Forestry Commission is ignoring the possibilities of afforestation which are available in the highlands of Central Wales, and that a larger scheme in this area would go far towards easing unemployment there and save the districts from a heavier poor rate; and whether he will make a statement?
§ Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKERExhaustive inquiries have been prosecuted throughout the Principality during the past nine years for afforestable land either on long lease or by purchase, generally with a satisfactory measure of success. In the highlands of Central Wales the causes which have militated against land acquisition for forestry purposes are (1) the extensive areas of land subject to common rights in this part of the country and (2) the relatively high value for sporting purposes of much of the otherwise suitable land.