§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the guidance he gives to the Forestry Commission regarding its management of forests in England containing sites of special scientific interest and, in particular, that part of a forest notified as a site of special scientific interest; if he is satisfied that the commission is following this guidance regarding its management of Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerWe have not given any specific guidance to the Forestry Commission regarding the management of its forests where these contain sites of special scientific interest. The commission does, however, consult the Nature Conservancy Council on the management of all SSSIs on its land.
There is a very good working relationship between the commission and the Nature Conservancy Council. Salcey forest has been managed since the late 1960s to a plan agreed with the council and the two local naturalist trusts. A new management plan was prepared recently.