HL Deb 26 November 1969 vol 305 cc1252-4
THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Technical Education Consultative Council that a Forestry Education Centre be established in Scotland for craft level and supervisory courses.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD HUGHES)

My Lords, it is expected that only one forestry education centre will be required in Great Britain for supervisory courses. Claims from education authorities in Scotland, England and Wales are being considered, as well as the views of many other interested bodies, and it is hoped to make an announcement soon. Craft level courses will in any event be provided at a centre in Scotland, but their location must await a decision on the Great Britain centre for supervisory courses.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that helpful reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that the proposal for craft courses was made three years ago and for supervisory courses 18 months ago; and as the site in Banff was proposed and nothing seems to have happened, will he hasten a satisfactory conclusion to this matter and in particular of the siting of at any rate the craft level course centre in Scotland?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, a full course of consultations has been necessary, not only with education authorities but also with many bodies having an interest in training and education for the forestry industry. I do not think that a decision will now be long delayed.

THE EARL OF DUNDEE

My Lords, will the Government bear in mind that about 75 per cent. of the afforestation in Great Britain is now being done in Scotland?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, while not necessarily committing myself to the percentage quoted by the noble Earl, I can assure him that the Scottish Office is well aware of the preponderant position of Scotland.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, while not necessarily asking the noble Lord to commit himself further, may I ask him whether he will hear in mind that there is great anxiety in parts of Wales and in the South of England that this one supervisory centre intended to serve the whole of Great Britain should be established either in Banff or in Inverness, which virtually means being out of reach of the larger part of Great Britain?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I should find it difficult to agree with that point of view.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, in thanking the noble Lord again, may I ask him to give us an assurance that unworthy competitive regional points will not delay this matter any longer? Does not the noble Lord agree that this centre should go to the country where it belongs?