§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how much of the land which the Forestry Commission is in course of acquiring for afforestation purposes on the estates of Knockdow and of Ardlamont on the Firth of Clyde is at present used for farming?
§ Sir G. CourthopeApart from 187 acres of arable land, the estate of Knockdow, comprising 5,674 acres, has been lightly stocked with sheep. It is understood that the present proprietor had intended to give up sheep farming and clear the entire stock. The Forestry Commission and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland are in consultation on the subject of the utilisation of the estate in the event of its acquisition by the Commission. The Forestry Commission are not negotiating for Ardlamont estate.