§ Lieut.-Colonel Macnamaraasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that a number of serving personnel would like to make a career after the war in forestry at home; what plans are being evolved to meet this desire; will he make arrangements for suitable candidates to be enrolled now, even though they may not take up their posts till after the war; is the Government sponsoring correspondence courses for personnel interested in forestry; and what arrangements have been made for service personnel to attend university or other courses in forestry after the war.
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe Forestry Commissioners are aware of the interest of serving personnel in post-war forestry at home and plans are being formulated to meet this desire. The names of suitably qualified candidates are being recorded: Correspondence courses in forestry are not sponsored by the Government but suitable literature is being recommended in reply to inquiries. As regards forest officers, for whom there is only a limited demand, arrangements for suitable courses are being made with those universities which provide degrees in forestry and suitable service personnel are eligible to benefit by the Government Further Education and Training Scheme. Regarding foresters, the number of forest apprentices' schools under the Forestry Commission will be increased and short courses will also be provided for ex-Service men who desire to enter either State or private service. The courses at the universities and the forest apprentices' schools will be started immediately circumstances permit. There is also under consideration the formation of a Forestry Corps in which untrained men from the Forces would be enrolled for temporary work but which would afford opportunities for transfer to permanent forest work.