§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Forestry Commission will make it its practice, in pursuance of its responsibilities under section 11 of the Countryside Act 1968, to reject claims for grant under the dedication schemes or forestry grant scheme in cases where the Government's statutory advisors on nature conservation consider that serious damage to the countryside would result if the scheme went ahead; and if the Forestry Commission is prepared to require the amendment of forestry schemes put to it for grant by private forestry interests in order to safeguard conservation interests.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Nature Conservancy Council is consulted by the Forestry Commission over all applications for grant-aid for the planting of trees on sites of special scientific interest. If the council objects to a planting proposal, and the applicant is not prepared to modify or withdraw it, the Forestry Commissioners can refuse the application. On the other hand, in such circumstances the commissioners may not commit themselves to paying grant without first seeking a ministerial view.