§ 73. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the machinery in his Department for dealing with applications for permission to convert forestry land into agricultural land.
§ Sir T. DugdaleWhere trees were felled before the passing of the Forestry Act, 1951, no permission is required to convert the land to agriculture. As from 1st October, 1951, a licence is necessary under the Forestry Act, 1951, to fell trees and the Forestry Commissioners are empowered to require the replanting of the land as a condition of the licence. Where an owner applies for a licence to fell trees in order to convert the land to agriculture the Forestry Commission consult my Department as to the best use of the land in the national interest.