asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in future, he will see that all Forestry Commission farms which become vacant are advertised, so that all those who wish to apply for tenancy should have a fair opportunity.

It is already the practice of the Forestry Commission to advertise wherever this is necessary and desirable.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman bring to the attention of his right hon. Friend that this is not done in all cases; and will he take into account the case where a local man, who is an ex-Service pilot and who was put out of his farm by the war, was not considered and where the farm was given to a non-ex-Serviceman which thereby raised the question of favouritism?

I am aware of the complaint that it is not done as a matter of routine in all cases, and I am aware of the particular case, although I do not know whether it is the one to which the hon. Member is referring. It would not be desirable to bind the hands of the Commission in this way and to make them advertise in cases where it would be a waste of time because there were other applicants.

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman think it right that all should have fair treatment?

Certainly everybody should be fairly treated.

Mr. Vane:

The Forestry Commission do not own farms. Surely, they own forest land?