HC Deb 01 December 1983 vol 49 cc580-1W
Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many acres of land the Forestry Commission hopes to sell in Scotland during the next three years; and what the estimated revenue will be from such sales.

Mr. John MacKay

The Forestry Commission currently has 35,488 hectares — 87,691 acres — of forestry land and plantations, with an estimated value of £14.1 million, in the process of being sold—that is, either on the market or approved for sale with reserve prices fixed.

Because of variable market conditions, and other factors, it is not possible to be precise as to when these sales will be completed.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many acres of planted and matured trees have been sold by the Forestry Commission during the last three years in Scotland; and what was the total revenue received from these sales.

Mr. John MacKay

During the period in question the Forestry Commission sold 8,985 hectares—22,202 acres —of plantations. The total amount received from the sale of these plantations and other forestry land was some £10 million.