The Forestry Bill

Abstract

WE referred last week to the Forestry Bill, which has passed its third reading in the House of Lords and is now before the House of Commons. The Bill is a Government measure and is largely based upon the Report of the Forestry Sub-Committee appointed by the late Miaister of Reconstruction. It creates a Forestry Authority consisting of five Commissioners, three of whom are to be paid, “charged with the general duty of promoting the interests of forestry, the development of afforestation, and the production and supply of timber in the United Kingdom.” The Commissioners will have powers to expend 3,500,000l. during the next ten years in afforestation. This sum of money is to be at their absolute disposal, and will be subject to no control by Parliament or by any Minister responsible to Parliament. The powers conferred are thus very wide. The Com missioners may acquire land, compulsorily if necessary, and may plant trees themselves, or aid, by loan or grant, owners of land to plant. They may establish and carry on woodland indus tries. Education in forestry is to be promoted by the establishment of schools and by aid to existing institutions where forestry is taught. The Commissioners may also make inquiries and undertake experiments and research.