§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost per annum of fulfilling 414W the measures proposed for broadleaved woodlands which are outlined in "Broadleaves in Britain: Review of Policy" in terms of (a) grant aid, (b) staff training and (c) forestry authority and advisory work.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe proposals outlined in the discussion paper are still being developed and have yet to be presented to the Government. It is not possible, therefore, to give an estimate of costs at this stage.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the working time of the Forestry Commission's conservancy private woodland and environment officers will be allocated for the implementa-tion of the advisory functions on broadleaves outlined in paragraph 23 of the "Broadleaves in Britain: Review of Policy".
§ Mr. John MacKayThe role envisaged in this area for the commission's conservancy private woodland and environemnt officers is primarily one of co-ordinating sources of advice. It is anticipated that most of the Forestry Commission's advice to private owners on broadleaves questions will be provided by the forestry district managers and their staffs.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the broadleaved woodland plantings approved for grant aid under the forestry grant scheme since April 1983 were subject to field inspection by Forestry Commission staff before approval was given.
§ Mr. John MacKayIt is the Forestry Commission's practice to inspect the area concerned before approving any application for entry to the forestry grant scheme.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of grants approved and the area of woodland concerned, under (a) the basis III dedication scheme and (b) the forestry grant scheme in each year since 1981–82 for planting (i) pure broadleaved woodland and (ii) mainly broadleaved woodland with some conifer element.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe information is not available in the form requested, but the total area of broadleaved planting since 1981–82 under the Forestry Commission's grant schemes was as follows:
hectares Year to 31 March Dedication Schemes Forestry grant scheme Other grant scheme Total 1982 740 27 494 1,261 1983 604 816 91 1,511 1984 505 1,173 33 1,711 ✶1985 488 1,142 17 1,647 ✶ Provisional.