§ 17. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total acreage of land sold by the Forestry Commission in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Forestry Commission sold 42,800 hectares of land in the five years to 31 March 1991.
§ Mr. EvansIs my hon. Friend aware that 40 per cent. of all men and women have walking as their main sport? Can he assure me that the woodlands sold off by the commission will be accessible to all walkers, especially as after the next election a lot of Scottish Labour Members will have a lot of time to do a lot of walking?
§ Mr. ForsythAs a walker myself, I agree with my hon. Friend that access ought to be continued in respect of land that is disposed of by the Forestry Commission. As my hon. Friend will know, an agreement dating hack to November last year provides for the Forestry Commission to offer land to local authorities prior to disposal so that an agreement can be reached with regard to access. I hope that my hon. Friend feels that that is a step in the right direction.