§ Mr. Sextonasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres of land in Durham county have been definitely bought by the Commissioners as part of the Government's scheme to aid employment in the Special Areas; how many unemployed men from Durham county are now engaged on such acquired land; and how many trees have been planted on it?
§ Sir G. CourthopeFour hundred and six acres of land have been bought by the Forestry Commissioners in Durham county under their Special Areas scheme. Operations have not yet started, but during this season some 323,000 trees will be planted on this land. This with fencing and preparatory work will provide 200 man weeks' employment during the next three months.
The normal planting programme at Hamsterley Forest is being increased under the Special Areas scheme and will provide a further 130 man weeks' employment.