§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he estimates will be the minimum broadleaf component under the proposed farm woodland scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerWe are not proposing to lay down a minimum broadleaf component under this scheme since we believe it is better to encourage a reasonable proportion of broadleaf planting by incentives and advice.
The incentives are of two kinds. First, there will be longer annual payment periods for predominantly broadleaf woodland. Second, we have much enhanced the planting grants for both pure broadleaf planting and the broadleaf component of mixed woodland under the scheme as part of the forestry tax and grant changes announced in March.