HC Deb 28 October 1976 vol 918 cc317-8W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the necessary directive that in all future purchases by the Forestry Commission it will also seek to acquire lochs which lie adjacent to the land which it is seeking to buy.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

No, but the Forestry Commission will continue its practice of acquiring any water rights that might be available with land that it is purchasing, where there is a potential recreational benefit and the price is reasonable.

Aberdeenshire, Banffshire and Kincardine-shire, respectively.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The acreage of land held by my right hon. Friend for health service and road development purposes is not readily available. The remainder of the information is as follows:

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will undertake a survey of the number of privately-owned lochs adjacent to Forestry Commission land, with a view to discussing with owners the possibility of granting limited access to the public to the amenities presented by these lochs.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

No, but the Forestry Commission is always prepared to negotiate with other riparian owners for increased public access to lochs adjacent to land owned by the Commission where the demand and the cost is in keeping with the local plans for recreational development.