§ Mr.Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the felling of native pinewood in a grade 1 site of special scientific interest area at Abernethy forest; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr.John MacKayA number of representations have been received by my right hon. Friend about the felling of Caledonian pinewood at Abernethy. This felling was approved by the Forestry Commission in 1980, before the32W Wildlife and Countryside Act came into force. As the site has now been renotified under that Act as a site of special scientific interest no further felling may take place without the Nature Conservancy Council being consulted. I understand that the Nature Conservancy Council has approached the owner of the estate about the possibility of a management agreement.