§ 78. Mr. Mawbyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he 45W will now make a further statement about the proposal to fell parts of Buckland Woods, Dartmoor.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe problem here arises because these woodlands have suffered from neglect in the past, and a well considered plan for their long-term rehabilitation is necessary. Their present owner, in the course of discussions with the Devon County Council as local planning authority, the Forestry Commission and the National Parks Commission, has amended his original proposals. He has expressed his willingness to plant a higher proportion of deciduous trees, and to refrain from felling in various parts of the woods. His proposals, while acceptable to the Forestry Commission and the local planning authority, still fall short of what the National Parks Commission would like to see.
I have asked the Forestry Commission to use their best endeavours to secure, in their negotiations with the owner for a dedication agreement, a closer approach to the National Parks Commission's recommendations. I think a solution of a difficult problem is now within sight, and in these circumstances I have accepted the suggestion made to me by the local planning authority that the tree preservation order which they submitted some months ago should not now be confirmed.