§ Mr. T. SMITHasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he will state the proportion of expenditure on wages and salaries, on purchase of land, and on administrative expenses of the Forestry Commission?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEIn the year ended 30th September, 1935, 65 per cent. of the Forestry Commissioners' total expenditure was in respect of wages and salaries, 8 per cent. in respect of the purchase of land, and 3 per cent. in respect of administrative expenses.
§ Mr. G. HALLasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the average cost per acre of afforestation, including the purchase of land and all operations incidental to the production and planting of young trees?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe outlay per acre on land, labour and materials in respect of the areas planted by the Forestry Commissioners to the latest date for which figures are available was approximately £12 I4s. 6d. This figure covers the cost of land, preparation of270W ground, drainage, fencing, plants, planting, replacement of failures and weeding.
§ Mr. G. HALLasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the total amount expended on the purchase of land, with the average price per acre of plantable land acquired?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe total amount expended by the Forestry Commissioners on the purchase of land for afforestation up to 30th September, 1935, was £995,000. The average price per plantable acre was £3 4s. 6d.