§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Forest Service for the financial year 2000–01. [120235]
§ Mr. IngramThe following key targets have been set for the Forest Service for 2000–01
Achieve 700 hectares of new planting in public and private sectors combinedOffer for sale 340,000Achieve 440,000 paying visitorsMaintain the forest estate under sustainable managementApprove (or reject) 90 per cent. of applications under the Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme within eight weeks of receipt of a properly completed application formFollowing planting, pay 90 per cent. of grant claims within eight weeks of receipt of a properly completed claim formComplete a strategic review of NI forestry policy by 31 March 2001Achieve an outturn which meets the targeted net cost of the forestry programmeAchieve 3 per cent. efficiency gainsControl DRC and programme expenditure to within 1 per cent. of the final control totals.The Forest Service Business Plan for 2000–02 will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses at a later date.