§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to monitor the effectiveness of the various broadleaved assistance schemes in reversing the decline of deciduous woodland in the borders region.
§ Mr. RifkindNew measures for maintaining and enhancing broadleaved woodlands were announced by my right hon. Friend, the Member for Ayr (Mr. Younger) on Wednesday 24 July 1985 at columns557–61. He indicated that the Forestry Commission had been asked to report regularly on the operation and effectiveness of these measures and that they would be reviewed after some three years.
§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to prevent any further reduction of ancient broadleaved woodland areas by conversion to coniferous sites in the borders region.
§ Mr. RifkindIn a statement on broadleaved woodlands made to the House on Wednesday 24 July 1985, columns557–61, my right hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Mr. Younger) indicated that one of the objectives of the Government's policy was to ensure that the special interest of existing ancient semi-natural woodlands was recognised and maintained.