Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the cumulative acreage of non-productive woodland in Scotland; what percentage change he anticipates during each of the next five years; and what plans he has for encouraging a faster rate of private investment in the conversion of such woodlands into full productive use in the interests of the balance of payments situation for many years to come.
§ Mr. RossThe Forestry Commission estimates that about 500,000 acres of woodland in Scotland are non-productive. I cannot forecast the change in this area, which will depend on its private owners. They are already encouraged by the grants paid by the Forestry Commission.
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