§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is the policy of the Forestry Commission to presume against the conversion of woodlands to agriculture; and what are the conditions which have to be satisfied before such conversion is approved by the commission.
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§ Mr. John MacKayThere is a general presumption against the conversion of woodlands to agricultural and other uses. In considering whether to override this presumption in any particular case, the Forestry Commission takes into account such factors as the Agricultural Department's assessment of the contribution that the proposed conversion would make to the viability and economy of the remainder of the agricultural holding, the views of any other authorities consulted, such as the local authority, and the commission's own assessment of the silvicultural and environmental aspects.