§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many acres of agricultural land in Wales have been lost to the industry in each of the last five available years; and how many acres have been transferred to the Forestry Commission and to private woodlands over the same period.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe average net annual reduction in the total acreage of agricultural land in Wales over the five-year period ending 31st March 1973—latest available figures—was 22,300 acres. Acquisition in Wales by Forestry Commission of land other than plantations over the last five years was:
Year ended 31.3.70 3,600 31.3.71 2,800 31.3.72 3,200 31.3.73 3,700 31.3.74 200 13,500 The majority of this land acquired for planting would formerly have been rough grazing or land of similar quality.
The Forestry Commission cannot reliably estimate how much land has been acquired for planting by private forestry interests in any given period since the commission is only involved when an application for grant aid is received.