§ Sir Paul Hawkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements have been made by the Forestry Commission in selling woodland owned by it to ensure that public access to such woodland is still permitted.
§ Mrs. FennerIn selecting woodlands for sale, the Forestry Commission takes into account a number of guidelines which have been prescribed by the Forestry Ministers, including consideration of the extent to which the woodland is used for public access. It is hoped that purchasers will continue to allow reasonable public access especially where this has been enjoyed for a number of years. There can, however, be no question of the purchaser being required by a condition of sale to allow public access. Public rights of way are not affected by the transfer of a wood from the public to the private sector.