§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria have been involved in the decision of the Forestry Commission to make land at Tilgate forest, Weald Forest district, Crawley, Sussex available for disposal; what account will be taken of the proposed use of the land by any prospective purchaser; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonIn reaching its decision to dispose of land at Tilgate Forest, Crawley, the Forestry Commission had regard to the main purpose of its sales programme, namely the rationalisation of the forest estate in the interests of improving efficiency. The Commission also took account of the guidelines issued by Forestry Ministers in 1981, which were reproduced at appendix V366W of the Commission's 1981–82 annual report. Whether the proposed change of use is appropriate in planning terms is entirely a matter for the local planning authority.