HC Deb 18 July 1972 vol 841 cc379-80
8. Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to announce proposals to implement the review of the forestry policy published in June, 1972.

Mr. Peter Mills

My right hon. Friends await the views of interested bodies on the consultative document which has been published. Meanwhile they have had a preliminary exchange of views with the Forestry Committee of Great Britain.

Mr. Barnett

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very good work that the Forestry Commission is doing in promoting amenity areas and forest paths? Will he investigate the possibility of making it a condition of grants to private woodland owners that they, too, should provide this kind of amenity free to the public? While the hon. Gentleman is conducting consultations, will he also indicate how he proposes to consult Parliament on this report?

Mr. Mills

We are well aware of the good work that the Forestry Commission is doing, to which the hon. Gentleman has drawn attention. I agree that it is becom- ing increasingly important. However, this is a consultative document, which means that a very wide range of people must digest it first. We are consulting them. Certainly we shall keep the House informed of what we are doing.

Mr. More

Is my hon. Friend aware that the review has not been received with rapturous enthusiasm by the organisations principally concerned with the well being of forestry in this country? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the Leader of the House about the possibility of a debate on forestry before the end of the present year and certainly before implementing proposals are announced?

Mr. Mills

Of course I will do that. But there is a great deal of misunderstanding about it. The dedication scheme will continue. It is only an extension of that which will probably be altered. There is a great deal of misunderstanding, but it is right that we should consult these bodies and sort out this matter. That is what we intend to do.

Mr. Milne

Will the hon. Gentleman pay attention to that part of the review of forestry policy dealing with the provision of jobs in development districts and the use of forestry resources to set up industries which can find it of advantage to use the supplies which are undoubtedly available?

Mr. Mills

The hon. Gentleman is right. That is exactly what the Government intend to do.

Mr. Brewis

Will my hon. Friend take the earliest opportunity to clear up the confusion about when a planting grant can be given for afforestation? Will he also take note of the fact that many of the premises in the Treasury cost-benefit study are open to considerable doubt, to say the least?

Mr. Mills

Again, this is all for consultation. The cost-benefit study throws light on important parts of the economics of forestry. But we have made it clear that it cannot be the sole basis for deciding future policy.