§ LORD BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
With regard to Crown Property enclosed woodlands where such are in proximity to well populated areas, and where such woodlands embrace clearly defined "rides" and are therefore 1313WA capable of being appropriately designated as available for the benefit of the community, they will state their policy as to admission of the public to these specifically as indicated "rides" or passages.
LORD ST. OSWALDThe Forestry Commission give every encouragement to the public to visit their woodlands and have publicly stated this to be their general policy. There are, however, occasions when access to plantations must be controlled, for example, during periods of high fire risk, where sporting rights are reserved or let, or where the interests of a neighbour or lessor may be concerned.
I understand that the policy of the Crown Estate Commissioners, with regard to woods on estates under their management, is to allow their tenants and the occupiers of adjoining property access to areas where the risk of damage by fire is not great.