§ 15. Mr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the Forestry Commission's 202 forests are open to the general public; and what proportion this is in relation to its total holdings.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartUnrestricted access on foot is normally allowed in about 230 of the Commission's 300 forests. At the remainder some degree of access is allowed in all but about a dozen cases.
§ Mr. ClarkWhile there is public appreciation of the great efforts being made by the Forestry Commission, could the Minister have discussions with it about the possibility of publicising this open access a little more?
§ Mr. StodartI will certainly do so if the hon. Gentleman thinks it necessary. I would merely say that in 1971 over 15 million people visited the forests by day, and as there are 177 picnic sites and 202 forest trails, it seems that there is a fair knowledge of the situation.