§ Mr. Meacherasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total amount and value of woodlands in the United Kingdom in public and private ownership, respectively; and how these figures compare with those for five, 10 and 15 years ago.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe only information for woodlands in public ownership readily available is in respect of the Forestry Commission's woodlands in Great Britain. The value of these woodlands has been included in the Commission's accounts at the cost of producing them. As indicated in the relevant Annual Reports and Accounts, the figures are as follows:
Comparable area data are not available for woodlands in private ownership. A census of private woodlands taken by the Forestry Commission in 1965 indicated that their area then totalled 2,687,000 acres. Their value was unknown.
Area of plantations Cost (including interest charges) 000 acres £000 1970 … … 1,744.5 336,352 1965 … … 1,550.4 221,285 1960 … … 1,283.3 129,426 1955 … … 1,005.2 72,489