§ 20. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to develop timber-based industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherYes. My right hon. Friend announced yesterday a study to examine the strategic development of the wood processing industries in Scotland and to identify early opportunities to make use of the increasing quantity of timber becoming available in Scotland. The study will be jointly funded by the Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development Board and will be conducted in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the private sector timber growers in Scotland. A press notice issued by my Department giving fuller details of the scope of the study is available in the Library.