§ 23. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the policy of the Forestry Commission with regard to charging for the use of their land for pony trekking.
§ Mr. RossThe Commission makes a charge, at the annual rate of £4 per horse, to riding schools and other commercial organisations which use its land.
§ Mr. MacArthurIs the right hon. Gentleman seriously supporting what amounts to a tax on this healthy and growing sport? Does he support the proposition that the public should be charged for access to Crown lands? Should not the Forestry Commission be encouraging people to visit and enjoy our forests instead of discouraging them?
§ Mr. RossPeople are encouraged to visit and make use of our Crown lands. We are here dealing with commercial organisations. In any case, the hon. Gentleman should not lose a sense of proportion about this, for the actual cost is 1s. 6d. per horse per week.