HC Deb 04 December 1986 vol 106 cc1073-4
11. Mr. John Mark Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in favour of incentives to farmers to diversify into the systematic planting of broadleaf trees.

Mr. Jopling

I have received representations from a number of organisations and individuals on the benefits of an expansion of farm woodlands. These have stressed the environmental benefits of including a broadleaved component, but have not pressed exclusively for these species.

Mr. Taylor

I thank my right hon. Friend for what I hope is an awareness of the need to encourage broadleaf woodland. When does he expect to be able to respond to the report prepared by the Nature Conservancy Council, entitled "Nature Conservation and Afforestation in Great Britain"?

Mr. Jopling

I was interested to see the report presented by the Nature Conservancy Council during the summer. However, the Government's response is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. I hope that my hon. Friend will table a question to my right hon. Friend on that matter.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the growing concern in many parts of the country at the current system of grants and fiscal incentives used by management companies to provide blanket afforestation in many upland areas, resulting in considerable damage to farming and environmental interests, as well as to tourism?

Mr. Jopling

We must remember that the reason for so much forestry today is largely due to the activities of specialist firms. My hon. Friend is especially critical of the environmental aspects, and I strongly agree that all future tree plantings must be examined to ensure that they are environmentally sympathetic.

Mr. Randall

What special arrangements would the Minister envisage being provided for tenant farmers who do not own the land?

Mr. Jopling

The hon. Gentleman has put his finger on one of the greatest difficulties, bearing in mind that a farmer or anyone else who plants trees does not get a return for a very long time. One of the most difficult problems that we and others are considering is how to bring the tenant farmer within the wider group of foresters.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Before my right hon. Friend becomes too attached to trees as a way of saving the rural economy, will he instead, or in addition, persuade planning departments to deal sympathetically with alternative enterprises and developments in those areas which will provide more employment at lower public cost?

Mr. Jopling

I think that the use of trees is only one of a package of ways to help the rural economy. However, I agree with my hon. Friend's point about planning. Many hon. Members and people outside the House—especially in rural areas—would like to see greater sympathy by members of planning committees to allowing non-agricultural developments in the rural countryside, provided that they are sympathetic to the environment.