§ Lord Mackie of Benshieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the Forestry Commission's harvesting programme in volume and (budget) value over the next decade: (a) from thinnings and (b) from clear fellings.
§ The Earl of MansfieldThe Forestry Commission's harvesting programme is based on a forecast of production which is updated every five years, the current programme being based on a 1977 forecast which is due to be revised later this year. The 1977 forecast provided estimates of average annual production for each of the four quinquennia to 1996, and the relevant data for the next decade are as follows:
million cubic metres (over bark) Operation 1982–86 1987–91 Thinning 1.48 1.81 Clear Felling 1.42 1.83 Total 2.90 3.64 Over the past three or four years prices for British timber have fluctuated markedly, reflecting variations in world prices for wood and wood products. The 1461WA total volume harvested by the commission for the year ended 31st March 1982 is expected to be 2.7 million cubic metres, giving an income of about £40 million (inclusive of VAT). Over the next decade income is expected to increase in line with the production forecast, but the production levels actually achieved and the income realised will depend on market conditions.