§ 4. Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current estimated area of forestry land in Great Britain; and what the figure was in (a) 1984 and (b) 1964.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Sir Hector Monro)The area of forest land in Great Britain is currently 2–4 million hectares, compared with 2.2 million in 1984 and 1.7 million in 1964.
§ Mr. PawseyI thank my hon. Friend for that extremely helpful reply. What percentage of broadleaf trees is there in the woodlands and forests of the United Kingdom, and what plans are there for a further expansion of forestry in the United Kingdom? Does he agree that the balance of payments is important, and what part do timber products play in our balance of trade? Does he also agree—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I think I have an Adjournment debate on my hands. Come on, Mr. Pawsey —that is enough.
§ Mr. PawseyI shall leave it at that then, Madam Speaker.
§ Sir Hector MonroTrees take a long time to grow.
I thank my hon. Friend for the great interest that he is taking in tree planting. Last year, 14,000 hectares, or 40 per cent., of tree planting was of the broadleaf variety, which is most encouraging. Planned planting in 1994–95 is 277 32,960 hectares, on private and commission land, and planned planting for the year after is 33,500 hectares, so that the Government well appreciate the importance of increasing tree planting, especially for the timber industry.
§ Dr. ReidDoes the Minister understand that the proportion of forestry in the area covered by Motherwell district council is very small, but that, despite that deficiency, it has made a grand job of tackling the tragic consequences of the decline of the steel industry? Will his colleagues, therefore, please meet representatives of Motherwell district council to hear their strong opposition to the crazy plans to abolish the council and their opposition to the rest of the plans for local government reorganisation in Scotland?
§ Sir Hector MonroThe hon. Gentleman is pretty ingenious in bringing in local government. I certainly welcome the planting of broadleaf and other varieties of tree in the Motherwell area. I know that the Lanarkshire Development Agency has taken particular interest in the environment of the area, and I am sure that, in years to come, we shall be glad that there has been so much additional planting there.
§ Mr. GallieIs my hon. Friend aware that timber harvested in the remote areas of the west of Scotland is currently transported by barge through the port of Troon to Caledonian Paper in Cunninghame, South? Does he agree that this means of transport is environmentally friendly, saves much wear and tear on our roads and improves the environment considerably? Does he also agree that it is a
§ Sir Hector MonroI agree with my hon. Friend that it is an important means of transport, and especially for bringing timber from the island. I agree that Caleclonian Paper is an important industrial facility for Scotland. I am glad that such a large proportion of Scottish timber goes there to contribute to its success.