§ 29. Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the activities of private forestry companies in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the effects of blanket afforestation on fishing, tourism and the environment.
§ Mr. John MacKayOver the past six months the Scottish Office has received over 50 letters on this subject. Most of these have been about planting in the flow country of Caithness and Sutherland.
Large-scale afforestation can be full compatible with the needs of fishing, tourism and the environment if it is properly planned and sympathetically carried out.