§ Lord John-Mackieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the yearly average of new plantings of trees over the period 1956–80 (a) by the Forestry Commission and (b) by private foresters.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)New planting by the Forestry Commission averaged 17,200 hectares per annum over the period.
Records distinguishing between new planting and restocking in the private sector were not kept centrally before 1970–71. However, it is estimated that the average amount of new planting grant-aided by the Forestry Commission during the period 1956–80 was 11,600 hectares per annum.