asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the total number of acres afforested by the State and local authorities; and the proportion of wood suitable for pulp and paper-making and, roughly, its geographical position?

The Forestry Commissioners planted 71,000 acres to the end of last season; their programme for the current season is 22,600. 4,500 acres have been planted by local authorities with the aid of State grants. Approximately one-fourth of the State plantations consist of spruce suitable for pulp and paper making; the geographical position of the more important spruce areas is indicated on the map posted in the tea room.

Would the hon. Member for Monmouth, as the representative of the Forestry Commissioners, in view of the importance of his subject to the nation, represent to the Government the advisability of making arrangements for periodic discussions in this House of the work of the Forestry Commission?

Will the hon. Member tell us whether the work of the Commission has been impeded in any way by the non-passing of the Forestry Bill?

What acreage is under farming?

Mr. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

I must ask for notice of that question. I cannot keep those figures in my head.

Is it not in order for a Member of the House to ask the hon. Member who represents the Forestry Commissioners whether the Forestry Commission does not believe that it would be to the national advantage to have periodic discussions of the work of this Commission, instead of having no discussion upon it at all?

May I press the hon. Member for an answer? It is a most unusual thing to have an opportunity of getting a reply from the Forestry Commission. I put a very simple question, and the hon. Member has vouchsafed no reply.

I can only say that the non-passing of the Forestry Bill has not affected our programme one little bit.

Has the Commission's work been hampered because of the failure to obtain land in sufficient quantities?

No: we have been very successful in obtaining land, but if the hon. Member knows of any of which we can get hold, we shall he very glad to have his help and advice.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he has any farms connected with the Forestry Commission?

I really could not say. We do not farm, but plant trees. Our programme is for about 200 small holding this season. We have about 200 small holdings.

Are there not 15 farms?