§ 31. Sir J. Rodgersasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether he will require local planning authorities to notify him before granting planning permission for development of forestry land or land suitable for afforestation in a manner similar to the practice where 21 development of agricultural land is concerned.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonMy right hon. Friend is considering this and similar points in reviewing the arrangements about the use of land for forestry.
§ Sir J. RodgersBut what is the point of transferring a function of forestry to the hon. Gentleman's Ministry if he has rot yet made any plans whatever to deal with this very important industry? Surely, he should have some plans now to issue administrative instructions to local planning authorities so that they can seek his advice on these very important matters?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonPerhaps the hon. Member does not realise that arrangements already exist with local authorities. We are merely considering ways in which this can be strengthened.