§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether there are any cases in the last three years when applications for felling licences for conversion of woodlands to agriculture were refused by the Forestry Commission, even though the agriculture department concerned had confirmed that the proposed conversion would make a significant contribution to the viability and economy of the remainder of the agricultural holding, and there were no other objections to the proposed felling from any other authorities consulted;
(2) on how many occasions in 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1985–86 to date the Forestry Commission consulted the agriculture departments over applications for felling licences to clear woodland for agricultural purposes.
§ Mr. John MacKayI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1985, Official Report, column 619, the consultation procedures between the Forestry Commission and agriculture departments outline on page 4 of the Commission's booklet, Consultation Procedures for Forestry Grants and Felling Permissions, are currently carried out.
§ Mr. John MacKayThese procedures are carried out in all cases. If I may expand on my reply given to the hon. Member on 22 February 1985, at column619, the Agriculture Departments do not normally give the Forestry 222W Commission advice, such, on whether felling licence applications should be granted for the conversion of woodland to agricultural use. What they do provide is an assessment of the impact that any such conversion would have on the viability of the agricultural holding. This assessment is taken into account by the Commission in deciding whether there are grounds for making an exception to its general policy of a presumption against conversion.