HC Deb 11 April 1974 vol 872 cc620-1
11. Mr. Anthony Stodart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the consultations which have been taking place on the detailed aspects of a future policy for forestry have been concluded; and if he will state what decisions have been reached.

Mr. Moyle

Consultations are still in progress. Decisions will be reached when they have been concluded.

Mr. Stodart

Will the Minister say what is now causing a hold up in what I freely admit has been a long drawn out operation? Is it the level of grants, or are the Government not satisfied with the plans that I, perhaps with a little prejudice, thought were good for combining forestry with questions of amenity and the integration with agriculture?

Mr. Moyle

The prime reason for the delay has been the decision to hold a General Election and the problems which arise from a new Government taking over.

Mr. Roderick

Has my hon. Friend any proposals for reducing the advantage enjoyed by private forestry over the Forestry Commission and for introducing much stricter control into planning applications for planting?

Mr. Moyle

We shall be consulting on these matters during the course of the next few weeks.

Mr. Watt

Many woodland owners have no idea what to do about the 1974–75 planting programme because the decision has not been taken by the Government.

Mr. Moyle

We have the matter very much in mind and hope to be able to announce a decision as soon as possible.