§ Mr. Roderickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline the functions of the regional advisory committees on forestry.
§ Mr. Strang:The functions of the regional advisory committees on forestry are to advise the commissioners on their functions under Section 1(3) and Part II of the Forestry Act 1967. They also advise as required on the social effect of the commissioners' activities, on recreation and other amenities in the commission's forests, and on good relations with other interested bodies.
In addition, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's statement on 5th July—[Vol. 876, c. 288]—last year in which he indicated the basis on which the commission would consult regional advisory committees on grant applications, felling licensing and planning matters.