§ 17. Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many hectares of Forestry Commission woodlands are within national parks in Wales; and how many of these woodlands the commission is proposing to sell.
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasThere are approximately 33,100 hectares of Forestry Commission woodlands within national parks in Wales. Thirty hectares of woodland have been sold, and approximately 1,000 hectares are in the process of being sold or have been approved for sale.
§ Mr. ThomasWe all welcome the announcement of the paper mill. Will the Minister accept that there is no 543 economic reason—and there never was an environmental case—for the sale of Forestry Commission woodland, especially in national parks? Will he assure the commission that it need not continue with the sales? Whenever sales are forced on the commission by Government policy, will the Minister ensure that the national parks have adequate funds to purchase woodland in sensitive areas for environmental reasons?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI cannot give any guarantees, but I reject the hon. Gentleman's suggestion that the policy is wrong. The Forestry Commission is respected in all sectors, both private and public. The commercial disciplines inherent in the policy are welcome to the forestry industry as a whole. I can make no commitment about funds. However, as a general principle, maximum consultations will take place. I shall always support that.