HC Deb 19 May 1994 vol 243 cc550-1W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what day the Government will publish their preferred options on the future of forestry in England; what form the subsequent consultations will take and over what time scale; and which organisations will be invited to take part in the consultation process.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland plans to make an announcement during the summer about our conclusions from the forestry review, and to publish a document which will form the basis of consultation on our preferred options. The form and timing of the consultation will depend on the conclusions that Ministers reach.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of day visits made to the Thetford forest park last year.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

In the year to 31 March 1994, an estimated 1.5 million people made day visits to Thetford forest park.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what account the Government will take, in selecting their preferred options for the future of forestry in England, of the submissions received by the forestry review group from commentators opposing privatisation.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The representations made to the forestry review group are being taken into account as we consider options following the review.