§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what impact he estimates his policy for the future of Scotland's native Caledon forest will have on forest cover in 50 years' time;
(2) whether he will identify those areas of the Caledon forest which he hopes (a) to survive and (b) to expand in the next 10 years.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Government's policy for native pinewoods is to prevent any reduction in their area and to encourage their sensitive management and expansion through the Forestry Commission's woodland grant scheme. In addition, particularly important areas for nature conservation are designated as sites of special scientific interest. As a result of these policies, the area of native pinewoods in Scotland is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 and 50 years, although it is not possible to predict the future of any individual area.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the present levels of compensation to owners of the Caledon forest to ensure its survival, and its expansion.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythTo encourage the maintenance, good management and expansion of native pinewoods the Forestry Commission offers the following establishment and management grants under its woodland grant scheme:
with representatives of the RSPB on 12 June. My officials also met representatives of all the organisations listed on 18 June to discuss the new provision.