§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what regard was had to the needs of agriculture and forestry and to the economic and social interests of rural areas by the Nature Conservancy Council, in making the proposals contained in its report "Birds, Bogs and Forestry", pursuant to section 37 of the Countryside Act 1968; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Nature Conservancy Council is an independent statutory body. Its report "Birds, Bogs and Forestry" sought "to present the conservation case" for the peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. I suggest that the hon. Member should ask the Nature Conservancy Council what regard it had in preparing the report to the duty imposed by section 37 of the Countryside Act 1968620W
to have due regard to the needs of agriculture and forestry and to the economic and social needs of rural areas".My right hon. and learned Friend's views were set out in a statement on 25 January. He awaits the report of Highland regional council's joint working group, which is expected soon, before making any further statement.