§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what(a) turnover, (b) profit and (c) amount of revaluation was recorded by Forest Enterprise in the most recent year for which figures are available. [160406]
§ Mr. MorleyThe subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by Forest Enterprise. I have asked its Chief Executive, Dr. Bob McIntosh, to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Bob McIntosh to Mr. Christopher Gill, dated May 2001:
I have been asked to reply to your question to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about the turnover, profit and revaluation figures for Forest Enterprise.In 1999–2000, Forest Enterprise made an operating deficit of £11.3m on a turnover of £95.5m. The Income and Expenditure account for Forest Enterprise shows a total deficit of £103.7m, including the net cost of Recreation, Conservation and Heritage, the deficit on sale of properties and the notional cost of capital.The Forest Estate was valued downwards by £146.0m in 1999–2000 as part of a total adjustment to the Revaluation Reserve of £144.9m.If you require any further information please let me know.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the conclusions of the quinquennial review of the Forest Enterprise executive agency. [161073]
§ Mr. MorleyThe first stage of the review of Forest Enterprise has concluded that the agency has put in a strong performance on the sustainability of its forest management, has successfully involved communities and other stakeholders in its decision-making and has responded successfully to change—particularly devolution. The review has recommended that Forest Enterprise should retain its status as an executive agency of the Forestry Commission. Ministers in the UK Government, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales have accepted these conclusions and recommendations. They intend to review the options for further decentralising handling of forestry policy and management, in the light of continuing experience of the devolved structure. The report of the first stage of the review is available on the Forestry Commission's website and will be placed in the Library.