§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the likely impact of capita] transfer tax on the level of United Kingdom tree planting; what representations he has received on this subject; and what replies have been given.
§ Mr. StrangWe have received representations from a number of individual woodland owners and from forestry organisations, including the Forestry Committee of Great Britain. Several hon. Members have also written to my right hon. Friends.
We have taken very careful note of all the views expressed and these are now being considered. No conclusions have yet been reached.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the estimated acreage of United Kingdom tree planting for the latest available 12 months; and how this compares with the corresponding period for the previous three years.
§ Mr. StrangPlanting, including restocking, by the Forestry Commission, the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and the private sector is given in the following table:
Great Britain Planting(acres) Northern Ireland Planting(acres) Year to 31st March 1974 112,100 4,600 1973 117,800 4,400 1972 125,300 5,050 1971 127,500 4,900