§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to ensure that sites of exceptional scenic or scientific interest that are on Forestry Commission land which has been sold or will be sold will be maintained.
§ Mr. John MacKayWhen the Forestry Commission sells land which is covered by a statutory designation, such as a site of special scientific interest, the features of the land, including its trees, continue to enjoy the degree of protection afforded by such designation.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to ensure public access to sites of exceptional scenic interest that are on Forestry Commission land which has been sold or is planned to be sold.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe extent to which the public visit a Forestry Commission site because of its scenic interest is taken into full account by the commission in selecting properties for sale. Public rights of way are not, of course, affected by a change of ownership. I am not aware of any site of exceptional scenic interest to which the public have been denied access following sale by the commission.