HC Deb 11 December 1985 vol 88 cc910-1
5. Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements the Forestry Commission has made for public consultation on the implementation of the new broadleaf policy in each of its seven conservancies.

Mr. John MacKay

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 2 December in response to similar questions.

Mr. Davies

Does the Under-Secretary of State recognise that when the chairman of the Forestry Commission lodged the new policy in October he gave an undertaking that there would be full consultation at local level with interested parties? Is he further aware that two of the conservancies have now embarked upon discussions of the new policy but have not contacted the headquarters or local branches of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England or the Woodland Trust? Will the Secretary of State have a word with the chairman of the Forestry Commission and ensure that the consultation is meaningful and that conservationists' interests are taken into account?

Mr. MacKay

I am sure that the Forestry Commission will read with interest what the hon. Gentleman has said. Considerable consultation has taken place in all the commission's areas with a wide range of voluntary conservation bodies. Tremendous interest has been shown in the broadleaf woodland grant scheme since it came into effect on 1 October.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

Is my hon. Friend aware that a great deal of anxiety is felt about the widespread and unimaginative blanket afforestation in Caithness and Sutherland? Is he further aware that that is an area of conservation interest and that there is no guarantee that trees that are planted will reach economic maturity? Should not that policy be reviewed?

Mr. MacKay

I know that there is some controversy about planting, not only in Caithness and Sutherland, but in other parts of the country, but I have no doubt that the people doing the planting have worked out that the economics of it are correct. In addition, I am sure my hon. Friend recognises that the planting of trees and the future of forestry products will provide much-needed jobs in rural areas.

Mr. Kennedy

Is the Minister satisfied that the current incentives available under the broadleaf policy are sufficient? As consultations are taking place, will the Minister at least try to get his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to put pressure on the Treasury to come forward with a more favourable tax regime to provide further encouragement?

Mr. MacKay

There is no evidence of any lack of interest in broadleaf woodlands grant scheme. Indeed, I believe that there has been so much interest that details have had to be reprinted. The Forestry Commission is impressed by the number of people and bodies who have expressed interest. I hope that the result will be an increase in the broadleaf planting in Britain.