HC Deb 24 October 1986 vol 102 c1026W
Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will carry out a feasibility study concerning the establishment of a nature conservation and landscape strategy in relation to forestry and woodlands in Scotland.

Mr. Rifkind

The Forestry Commission maintains close contacts at national and local level with the Nature Conservancy Council, the Countryside Commission for Scotland, local authorities and a number of voluntary conservation organisations, with a view to ensuring that, as far as possible, forestry developments in Scotland are in harmony with the landscape and reflect the needs of nature conservation. The commission also liaises on a regular basis with the Scottish Development Department. I am not persuaded that any new initiatives are required.