§ 11. Mr. Anthony Stodartasked 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 621 concluded; and if he will state what decisions have been reached.
§ Mr. MoyleConsultations are still in progress. Decisions will be reached when they have been concluded.
§ Mr. StodartWill 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. MoyleThe 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. RoderickHas 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. WattMany 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. MoyleWe have the matter very much in mind and hope to be able to announce a decision as soon as possible.