§ Mr. SEXTONasked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres towards the total of 200,000 extra acres promised to be taken and planted in or near the Special Areas have actually been taken to date; how many of such acres taken are in or near each of the Special Areas, respectively; and how many men from each of the Special Areas, respectively, are now working on these extra acres?
§ Colonel ROPNERApproximately 30,000 acres in or near the Special Areas have been approved for acquisition, 18,600 in the north of England and 11,400 in South Wales. Work will start as soon1538W as legal formalities are completed and possession secured. Meanwhile schemes have been approved for the establishment of 72 forest workers' holdings in Northumberland and 29 in South Wales and 55 cottages are in course of erection. At the moment also 15 men are engaged in Special Areas nursery work in Northumberland and 17 in South Wales.