HC Deb 14 December 1984 vol 69 c623W
Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the area of land newly afforested since 1980 to the latest available date in England, making a distinction between coniferous plantations and other forestry schemes.

Mrs. Fenner

Planting statistics are published by the Forestry Commission in its annual reports. During the period 1 April 1980 to 31 March 1984, a total of 6,548 hectares of new planting—4,927 hectares of conifers and 1,621 hectares of broadleaves—was carried out in England by the Forestry Commission and by the private sector with the aid of grants from the commission.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the area of land newly afforested since January 1980 to the latest available date in England; and if he will indicate the proportions planted by the Forestry Commission and private landowners, respectively.

Mrs. Fenner

Planting figures are compiled centrally on the basis of financial years beginning 1 April. During the period 1 April 1980 to 31 March 1984, a total of 6,548 hectares of new planting was undertaken in England, of which 1,854 hectares were planted by the Forestry Commission and 4,694 hectares by the private sector with the aid of grants from the commission.