HL Deb 10 December 1975 vol 366 cc942-3

2.53 p.m.

Lord INGLEWOOD

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 whether their attention has been drawn to figures published by the Scottish Woodland Owners' Association showing a drop of 46 per cent. in the acreage of woodlands in the private sector planted in the season 1974–75; whether they have any figures similarly compiled to show the drop in the acreage planted in England and Wales over the same period; and what they estimate the level of such planting will be over the season 1975–76 for the whole of Great Britain.

The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (Lord Kirkhill)

My Lords, Ministers have noted with interest the survey figures published by the Scottish Woodland Owners' Association Limited. I understand that the Timber Growers' Organisation Limited are making a similar survey of planting in England and Wales, but no information has so far been received about the result. No official estimate of private planting in Great Britain for the 1975–76 season can be given as the extent will depend upon the decisions of a great many individual woodland owners.

Lord INGLEWOOD

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, so far as it goes, may I ask whether he will make further inquiries because there is already considerable information available, all of which points to a big reduction in the last planting season and a still bigger reduction in the planting season just starting? When noticing this drop following immediately on recent changes in Government policy, and more particularly in taxation, will he agree that there is here more than just coincidence? It is a direct result of those changes in Government policy which are inappropriate to the forestry industry.

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I agree that a pattern is now beginning to emerge. It should also be said that so far as private sector planting is concerned the reduction may partly be accounted for by the general economic situation and of course the restriction of the timber trade in Europe at the present time.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, would the noble Lord consider reintroducing grants for planting in the private sector?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, this is a matter about which I will take note.

Lord CLIFFORD of CHUDLEIGH

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that, for the first time for 18 years, I have not planted trees in my particular area, and I know of many other owners who have not done so? If the Government continue with their capital transfer tax and wealth tax on woodlands the whole of private forestry will become a desert.

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, the Government are aware that there is concern. They also believe that the report from the Timber Growers' Organisation Limited may prove to be of some help.

Earl FERRERS

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that many tree nurseries have had to destroy many young plants simply because people have not been able to plant them? If so, what action will the Government take to ensure that planting is continued?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I was not aware of that. I will look into the matter.