§ 20. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking pursuant to the Report by the Natural Resources (Technical) Committee on Forestry, Agriculture and Marginal Land.
Mr. AmoryThe Government have already recognised the importance of integrating forestry and agriculture in hill and upland areas as recommended by the Committee, and wherever possible planting by the Forestry Commission is being planned so as to provide the maximum benefit to agriculture. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I welcome the full and detailed study which the Committee has carried out, and we are considering in consultation with the Forestry Commission what further measures might be taken in the light of the Committee's recommendations.
§ Mr. WilleyWhile welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask him whether he can assure the House that as soon as possible the Government will make a statement on the proposals made by this Committee, which appear on the face of them to be very valuable?
Mr. AmoryI will certainly bear in mind the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. It will be agreeable to me to make such a statement at the right moment.