§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much land was approved for afforestation in(a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales in the 12 months ending 1 April; of this how much was for (i) coniferous and (ii) deciduous planting; how much was actually planted; and of both approved and planted totals how much was in respect of land on which set-aside payments were being made.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe following areas of land were approved for afforestation under Forestry Commission grant schemes in the year ended 31 March 1989:
Hectares Country Area of planting (including set-aside) Area under set-aside Scotland 16,000 120 England 2,100 40 Wales 600 nil Total 18,700 160 Information is not held centrally on the breakdown of these areas between broadleaves and conifers.
496WThe following were the areas of new planting on which grants were paid under Forestry Commission Grant schemes in the year ended 31 March 1989:
Area of planting Hectares Country Conifers Broadleaves Scotland 20,900 1,550 England 750 900 Wales 700 200 Total 22,350 2,650 No planting grants were paid in respect of land on which set-aside payments are to be made.
It should be noted that (i) areas approved for planting are not necessarily planted and grant aided in the same year, and (ii) the above figures exclude land for which planting grants were approved or paid in association with the farm woodland scheme.