HC Deb 29 November 1950 vol 481 cc161-2W
Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture what acreage of derelict woodlands have been re-afforested since 1945 to date; and what are the plans for the next five years in each of the Welsh counties.

Mr. T. Williams

Eight thousand, eight hundred acres of derelict woodlands in Wales have been re-afforested since 1945 (6,400 acres by the Forestry Commission and 2,400 acres by private owners). In addition, 9,820 acres have been acquired by the Commission for replanting. According to the census of woodlands recently completed there were, at 30th September, 1947, some 70,000 acres of scrub, devastated and felled woodlands in Wales and Monmouth which are suitable for economic management, distributed as follows:

County Acres
Anglesey 230
Brecon 8,241
Cardigan 3,300
Caernarvon 3,430
Carmarthen 6,869
Denbigh 7,347
Flint 2,239
Glamorgan 8,334
Merioneth 6,312
Monmouth 8,469
Montgomery 8,907
Pembroke 2,376
Radnor 4,243
70,297

The Forestry Commissioners' policy in all counties is to encourage private owners to replant these areas under the Dedication Scheme, or with the aid of grants, during the next five years. Where this is not possible acquisition and replanting by the Commission is proposed.