§ Major RAYNERasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing t he Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware of the adverse expert criticism of the scheme for re-afforesting an exposed area near Postbridge, on Dart-moor, which is over the 1,200 feet level and facing the north-west; and whether, in view of the large areas of more or less derelict ground in England in the vicinity of the distressed areas and elsewhere, he will avoid planting in areas which a strong body of public opinion desires to leave unaltered?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe Forestry Commissioners are aware that some2802W persons have criticised the proposed afforestation of parts of the area referred to, but in the opinion of the Commissioners and the forest officers concerned the criticism is ill-founded. This is confirmed by the existence of satisfactory plantations in the neighbourhood. With regard to the second part of the question the Commissioners desire to meet, so far as possible, the claims of amenity. It has to be borne in mind that the area of land available and suitable for afforestation is considerably less than is commonly reported and that any unnecessary restrictions render their large-scale programme correspondingly difficult to carry out.