§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many acres of Forestry Commission land in Wales were sold last year; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsSales records are maintained by financial years to 31 March. In the period from 1 April 1985 the Forestry Commission has sold 2,143 hectares of land in Wales. Figures for the previous 10 years are as follows:
Year to 31 March Land sold (Hectares) 1976 316 1977 200 1978 507 1979 221 1980 396 1981 361 1982 1,743 1983 1,450 1984 3,347 1985 3,522
§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to sell off to private buyers all the land held by the Forestry Commission in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Ayr on 8 November 1984, at columns 6–7, setting out the Government's policy on disposals by the Forestry Commission. As in all other areas of Government activity, policy is kept under regular review.