HC Deb 12 April 1972 vol 834 cc1235-7
6. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for his Department to encourage Scotland to support and co-operate in the National Tree Planting Year in 1973.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gordon Campbell)

I am consulting the Scottish local authority associations about how best to encourage a nationwide tree planting effort.

Mr. Chapman

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he know that since my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment accepted my proposal that 1973 should be a national tree planting year I have received many letters from Scotsmen supporting the venture, the whole purpose of which is to show what a dramatic improvement in their urban environment can be made by people living in towns and cities at relatively little cost?

Mr. Campbell

We are glad in Scotland to be joining in the praiseworthy purpose of improvement of the urban environment, and we have a very large tree planting programme on the forestry side.

Mr. Maclennan

Is not the Secretary of State aware of the large question mark that hangs over the future of the Forestry Commission's planting in Scotland? We have had to wait a long time for the completion of the Government's review of policy on that, When does he propose to announce its result?

Mr. Campbell

A large percentage of Great Britain planting is put down in Scotland. Reviews of the exact figures are continuously carried out by Governments of the day.

Mr. Ewing

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to his hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hands worth (Mr. Sydney Chapman) the fact that anything that brings work to Scotland—tree planting or anything else—is welcome against the background of our very high unemployment figures, brought about by the present Government?

Mr. Campbell

What the hon. Gentleman said at the beginning of his question is accepted, as is shown by the various schemes for the improvement of the environment mentioned by my hon. Friend. In particular, aid will be available where appropriate under the derelict land rehabilitation programme, the provisions for the improvement of the amenities of residential areas and the special schemes for environmental improvement.