HC Deb 24 October 1986 vol 102 c1026W
Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to ensure that detailed designs of planting and drainage are devised in relation to ancient monuments on Forestry Commission land.

Mr. Rifkind

It is already Forestry Commission policy to plan forest work such as planting, soil cultivation and drainage, so as to safeguard known ancient monuments and their surroundings.

Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures are being taken to preserve public access to ancient monuments in Forestry Commission sites and those Forestry Commission sites that have been privatised.

Mr. Rifkind

It is already the Forestry Commission's general policy to allow public access to ancient monument sites on its land. It does not impose public access conditions in the titles of land it sells, and there is no evidence to suggest that the majority of purchasers act unreasonably with regard to continuing public access.