HC Deb 09 June 1942 vol 380 cc945-6W
Colonel Colville

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many acres of woodlands in Scotland, the property of the Forestry Commission, have been destroyed or seriously damaged by moorland fires during the past two months; what is the approximate financial loss sustained by the State; what evidence exists as to the origin of the fires; and whether any portion of the loss is due to uncontrolled muir-burning?

Sir G. Courthope

2,100 acres of woodlands in Scotland, the property of the Forestry Commission, have been destroyed or seriously damaged by fires spreading from adjoining moorland during the past two months; the approximate financial loss sustained by the State was £52,000; evidence as to the origin of the fires exists in some cases but not others; the loss of 1,400 acres was due to uncontrolled muir-burning.