§ Mr. Temple-Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the figure of £3 million for public expenditure cuts in forestry was calculated.
§ Mr. StrangThe cuts were carefully selected to minimise the effect on employ
Date Representative rate MCA percentage 2nd August 1976 … … … … … … 1.7556 UA=£1 19.5 1st January 1976 … … … … … … 1.7556 UA=£1 6.4 1st January 1975 … … … … … … 2.0053 UA=£1 13.8 1st January 1974 … … … … … … 2.1644 UA=£1 13.8 From 3rd March 1975 until 14th March 1976 the percentage difference between the representative rate (green pound) and the market rate of exchange as defined for MCA purposes was reduced by 1.25 percentage points for the purposes of calculation of MCAs.
638Wment and on the Forestry Commission's future activities.
§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how private sector forestry will be affected by a reduction in Government expenditure on forestry of £3 million.
§ Mr. StrangNo direct action is being taken on the funds available for private sector forestry. However, as a result of the current low rate of planting in the private sector a small reduction is anticipated in the total amount required to meet grants due to be paid to private woodland owners during 1977–78.
§ Mr. Cormackasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which projects of the Forestry Commission will now be abandoned or postponed as a result of the £3 million cut in public expenditure on forestry.
§ Mr. StrangThe main reduction will be in the provision for acquiring new land for planting. There will be some delay to certain recreation projects and a reduction of about 10 per cent. in expenditure on plantation maintenance and protection.