§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of proposals by the Economic Forestry Group to plant conifers on 600 acres of open moorland at Nant y Brain, 134WA Abergwesyn, in Wales; whether they will say what views have been expressed on this proposal by the local town council, Brecknock Borough Council, the Welsh Water Authority and the Countryside Commission; and what steps they intend to take to ensure that these views are respected, and that this last remaining area of open ground surrounded by forestry is safeguarded.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)Her Majesty's Government are aware of the proposal by the Economic Forestry Group to plant trees, mainly conifers but with some broadleaves, at Nant y Brain. The application for grant aid under Forestry Commission's Forestry Grant Scheme was made in June 1983.
Conflicting views on the proposal have been expressed among those bodies formally consulted by the Forestry Commission—the Welsh Office Agriculture Department, Powys County Council and Brecknock District Council. In addition, a number of bodies and individuals, including the local town council, the Welsh Water Authority and the Countryside Commission, have made representations opposing the afforestation proposal.
The proposal has been referred to the Forestry Commission's Regional Advisory Committee who are seeking to establish whether the views received can be reconciled. If this is not possible, the matter will be referred to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Wales who will take account of all the views and representations made.