§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria have been considered by the Forestry Commission in reaching a decision on the proposed sale of West wood, Lyminge forest, Kent to a Dutch company represented by Center Pares Limited; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Forestry Commission decided to make West wood, Lyminge, Kent, available for sale on the open market, subject to outline planning permission for leisure development being granted by the local authority. In reaching this decision, the commission took account of ministerial guidelines for the selection of assets to be sold, which are reproduced in appendix V of its 1981–82 annual report; it also took account of the employment creation potential of such a development. There was no commitment to sell to Center Pares Limited.