HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 c1348
11. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the extra costs for the forestry industry in Scotland of the proposed additional licence charges on road vehicles and the increase in fuel duty.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

I cannot give a reliable figure.

Mr. Campbell

There has been plenty of time since the Budget. Why has the Secretary of State not worked out the important effects on this vital Scottish industry?

Dr. Mabon

We have held many detailed conversations with the industry and the Forestry Commission, not just as a consequence of the Budget, but as a consequence of the hurricane that hit us. The Commission considered that the extra costs for a normal year would be of the order of £50,000. That is the Commission's view. I should not like to put it as being any more than that.

Mr. Brewis

Is this not yet another reason why the South-West of Scotland should be included in the transport subsidy given by the Forestry Commission, as its costs must have gone up so much?

Dr. Mabon

That is entirely another matter. If the hon. Gentleman would like to table it as a separate question, I should be happy to answer it.