Forestry (Hansard, 25 May 1994)

§ 8. Sir Thomas Arnold
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce his future forestry policy.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
The Government's forestry policy objectives are set out in the policy statement, "Forestry Policy for Great Britain", which we published in September 1991. "Sustainable Forestry: The UK Programme", published in January this year, provides a comprehensive account of the action that we are taking to achieve those objectives.

§ Sir Thomas Arnold
Can my hon. Friend confirm that it is no part of his policy now to proceed to privatisation? What other options is he considering?

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
I can confirm to my hon. Friend that a wide range of options have been looked at, of which privatisation was merely one. Ministers are currently developing their preferred options in the context of the forestry review group's advice. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make an announcement in due course. There will, of course, be consultation on the options preferred by Ministers before matters are taken forward. The form and timing of that will depend on the conclusions that Ministers reach.

§ Mr. Eric Clarke
I congratulate the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Sir T. Arnold) on raising this question. I have raised very similar questions on three occasions and we have had the same kind of evasive answer from all three Ministers. We read in the press that the Government intend to scrap the privatisation proposals; yet Ministers say that they are looking at them. Many people in many parts of Scotland, especially in my constituency, are worried about their jobs. The Forestry Commission and forestry generally are important to the economy of Scotland; I emphasise that point. When will the Minister make a decision?

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
The answer is in due course. We shall not be rushed in this matter. Full 326 consideration will be given to all the issues. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely correct—forestry is extremely important. The Forestry Commission's headquarters are in my constituency and I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the commission is far and away the biggest landowner in Britain, with more than 1 million hectares in its ownership. The matter will receive full consideration,and a statement will be made in due course.

§ Mr. Kynoch
My hon. Friend will be aware of the importance of forestry in my constituency of Kincardine and Deeside. Is he aware of the importance to my constituents of access to the forests for recreational purposes such as orienteering, hill walking and rambling? Can he give comfort to my constituents that in his review he will be not only looking at the good management of the forests but ensuring that there is continued good access for members of the public?

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
Access and environmental matters are two of the most important considerations being borne in mind by the review group. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks, especially in view of the importance of access not only for residents but for tourists.

§ Mr. Kirkwood
Does the Minister accept that the undue delay in the Government's making up their mind is having a damaging effect both on staff morale and on the timber-using industry? When is "shortly" or "in due course"? Can the Minister say whether it will be days or weeks? It certainly should not be any longer than that. Can he also give an undertaking that he will publish the report of the forestry review group in full so that we can see all the options made available to the Government by the review team and not just those selected for consultation by the Government?

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
Yes. The advice was private and confidential. A full statement will be made in due course and the points made by hon. Members will be borne in mind.

§ Mr. McFall
Why will the Minister not be open with the House and tell us that the decision to establish a "next steps" agency for the Forestry Commission has already been taken? Can he confirm that Government-commissioned research has shown that the emphasis by such bodies on greater commercial freedom and less accountability will mean that areas such as Pannanich wood in Ballater, Deeside, and Kilpatrick hills and Loch Lomondside will be disposed of more quickly, resulting in less or no access to our hills and glens for hundreds of thousands of ramblers and hill walkers?

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
There are no plans to abandon or postpone the disposals programme. With regard to the agency option, I can tell the hon. Gentleman that I am unable to confirm or deny any such speculation. He will have to wait until my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State makes his full announcement.