Thirteenth Annual Report of the Forestry Commissioners

Abstract

THE Forestry Commission is in its second decade. For the work proposed for the decade it had been estimated that a sum of asbout 111/4 million pounds would be required; working receipts were estimated at £2,160,000, the net contribution from the Exchequer being £9,115,000. The chief works to be carried out were the afforestation of 353,000 acres and the establishment of 3,000 workers' holdings. For the purposes in view it would be necessary to acquire each year 6,000 acres of plantable land and 2,500 acres of agricultural land. These proposals were subject to a severe cut at the hands of the May Committee in the interests of economy (NATUBE, Sept. 17, 1932, p. 427). As a result of subsequent discussions between the Commissioners and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the latter undertook to provide annually for the next five years a sum of £450,000, this with working receipts giving the Commissioners about £600,000 annually for forestry operations.