HC Deb 20 June 1986 vol 99 cc668-9W
Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will take steps to require private forestry companies to include recreational provision in any large scale planting scheme which benefits from forestry planting grants;

(2) whether he will make it his policy to adopt an integrated approach to agriculture and forestry in the uplands and lowlands of the United Kingdom;

(3) whether he has any plans to meet the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss alternative methods in controlling forestay planting;

(4) if he will publish in the Official Report Her Majesty's Government's conservation and landscape strategy in relation to forestry and woodlands;

(5) if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the various broadleaved assistance schemes in reversing the decline of decidous woodlands.

Mr. John MacKay

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider setting up a system of national financial support for forestry industry projects.

Mr. Allan Stewart

No. The Government make available regional development grants and regional selective assistance in suitable cases to firms in the manufacturing or service sectors which invest in the assisted areas. The Government's policy concentrates resources on the areas of greatest need, in particular those with the highest rates of unemployment. Projects of particular national importance and benefit can, in exceptional cases, receive assistance regardless of location within the United Kingdom. In addition the Scottish Development Agency and Highlands and Islands Development Board can offer help and advice for new projects within their respective areas.

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