HC Deb 29 June 1989 vol 155 c557W
67. Mr. Doran

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the use of set-aside land for forestry.

Mr. Donald Thompson

In the first year of the scheme, about 800 hectares of land have been set aside to woodland, either directly or through the farm woodland scheme. I recently invited applications for the second year of set-aside, and since farmers have now had more time to plan for tree planting, I expect enhanced interest in this option. I welcome increased planting of trees on arable land as a contribution to the reduction of surpluses, to the enhancement of the landscape and to helping to meet our timber requirements in the longer term.