§ 80. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated acreage of bracken-infested, derelict woodland for which his Department thinks the best use is forestry; and how many private owners are involved.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe total area of felled and derelict woodlands in Scotland is estimated to be 340,000 acres, covering some 3,000 estates. Unenclosed scrub, mainly used for grazing, is omitted from this figure. It is not possible to say how much of this area is bracken-infested: but save in exceptional circumstances all felled and derelict woodlands, whether bracken-infested or not, are suitable for forestry and the Government are anxious that as much as possible should be re-planted.