HC Deb 08 June 1971 vol 818 cc850-1
14. Mr. David Clark

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make an interim statement on his review of the structure of the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

As I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Harborough (Mr. Farr) and Devizes (Mr. Charles Morrison), on 11th May, the review is directed to forestry policy. As regards the timing of an announcement, I have nothing to add to that reply.—[Vol. 817, c. 194.]

Mr. Clark

While I thank the hon. Member for that answer, and while I am sorry that he will not make a statement, may I ask him if, when he publishes his report, he will bear in mind the growing appreciation by the public of the Forestry Commission's policies on conservation and amenity? Will he give the House an assurance that he will provide the Forestry Commission with adequate financial compensation for this type of work?

Mr. Stodart

These are the sort of matters being considered by the committee. We will consider its report when it has been presented.

27. Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether, in view of the concern caused to employees of the Forestry Commission at Basingstoke by the proposal to uproot them for a second time, he will bear this fact in mind when assessing the advantages of a further move;

(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of moving the Forestry Commission from Basingstoke to Edinburgh; and whether he is yet ready to make a decision on this matter.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

My right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friends will be meeting representatives of the Forestry Commission Staff Side in the near future and they will take full account of their views, along with all other relevant considerations, including that of cost, before making a decision.

Mr. Mitchell

May I urge my hon. Friend not to proceed with this proposal except under the most compelling circumstances and after full publication of the facts upon which a decision is reached?

Mr. Stodart

I assure my hon. Friend that the closest consideration will be given to all aspects of this matter before any decision is taken.