HC Deb 08 December 1948 vol 459 cc64-5W
Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the reasons for the losses incurred by the Forestry Commission on their thinning operations.

Mr. T. Williams

I am not aware of any avoidable losses. If the hon. Member will state the particular plantations he has in mind, I will look into the matter.

Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to facilitate the thinning of younger plantations which the Forestry Commissioners' latest annual report states to be needed.

Mr. T. Williams

Thinning in the State Forests is done as and when necessary within the limits of the labour available. Arrears in the thinning programmes accumulated during the war years but these are steadily being reduced.