Forestry Policy (Hansard, 28 June 1972)

§ Mr. Prior

A consultative document is being published today setting out the results of the Government's review of forestry policy. A supporting cost/benefit analysis is also being made available. Copies are being placed in the Vote Office and the Library.

These documents examine in some depth both the economic and social costs and benefits of forestry for the nation and for the rural communities most affected by it. Apart from their immediate relevance to forestry, the Government see these documents as an important contribution to further studies of the economy of rural areas and of some of the problems, notably depopulation, which they can present.

The Government have concluded that the main justification for Forestry Commission planting is to be found in the part which it can play in sustaining the rural economy, especially in areas which might otherwise be threatened by depopulation. They consider that the Commission should develop a new planting and restocking programme totalling up to 55,000 acres a year, thus broadly maintaining its contribution to the wellbeing of country areas where employment opportunities are limited. This would also ensure a continuing increase in the total acreage of forests in the country and a continuing expansion of home-grown wood production for industry. The programme would be reviewed every three years. At the same time, the Government are introducing a target rate of return on capital of 3 per cent. per annum in real terms, although where necessary allowance will be made for planting which is undertaken primarily for social reasons; and the Commission's accounts are being recast to reflect this.

The Government consider that, in the management of the Commission's commercial forests, there should be a marked increase of emphasis both on visual amenity and on realising their potential for recreation. Further consideration will be given as to how such aims can best be further promoted especially in the areas maintained primarily for amenity or recreational purposes.

The consultative document recognises the rôle of private forestry in the national economy; and one of the main objects of the forthcoming consultations will be to 366W resolve how private woodland owners can at the same time play an effective part in meeting contemporary social and environmental needs. The Government believe that grant aid should be directed essentially to encouraging private planting to make its own distinctive contribution to meeting these needs. Accordingly, there are to be discussions aimed at harnessing the grant system to social and amenity objectives rather than to the post-war problems of woodland restocking and rehabilitation upon which the original schemes were founded. While these consultations are in progress, and pending any decisions that may be reached, the Forestry Commission will not be entertaining any further applications under the Dedication and other existing grant schemes, although existing commitments will naturally be honoured and applications already received up to 28th June will be considered in the usual way. There will also be discussions on the environmental aspects of private forestry.