HC Deb 22 February 1938 vol 332 cc201-3W
Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for War whether work has yet begun upon the construction of the new strategic railway from Zagazig to Kafr ez-Zayat and Mit-Ghanu, on the Nile; and, if not, will he give an assurance that the British military authorities will ensure that no further postponement takes place for the

senting the Forestry Commissioners, how many trees the Forestry Commission have planted up to the present time on their Hardknott estate in the Duddon Valley; how many of these are conifers; and how many belong to broad-leaved or hardwood species?

Sir G. Courthope

The Forestry Commission have planted up to the present time on their Hardknott estate 186,000 trees, of which 167,000 are coniferous and 19,000 broad-leaved species. Broad-leaved trees are being planted where conditions are suitable, but it so happens that on the greater part of the area already taken in hand the conditions are not suitable.

Mr. T. Morris

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how much land, arable, pasture, and derelict, has been taken over in Wales for afforestation during the last three years; and whether he can give the figures by counties?

Sir G. Courthope

The Forestry Commissioners classify their land as agricultural, plantable and unplantable. During the last three years they acquired the following areas in Wales and Monmouthshire:

purpose of considering alternative routes or for any other reason?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the railway named is only part of a comprehensive programme spread over several years. The Egyptian Government cannot be expected to carry out all parts at once and the relative priority to be given to individual items is a matter for decision from time to time.