§ Mr. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the predicted average yield class of the forestry plantations established in the flow country of Sutherland and Caithness in the last five years.
§ Mr. John MacKay[pursuant to his reply, 6 April 1987, c. 53]The predicted average yield class of these plantations is 12, which compares favourably with yield classes in many other parts of Scotland.
§ Mr. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what response the Forestry Commission has made to the findings regarding the internal rates of return from various forestry plantations outlined in Appendix 4 of the recent 185W report by the National Audit Office on Forestry Commission objectives and achievements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKay[pursuant to his reply, 6 April 1987, c. 53]The National Audit Office review of Forestry Commission objectives and achievements is being considered by the Committee of Public Accounts. It will be for the Government to respond to such recommendations as may be made by the Committee in its report to Parliament.
§ Mr. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the average windthrow hazard class of the land in the flow country of Sutherland and Caithness approved for afforestation in the last five years.
§ Mr. John MacKay[pursuant to his reply, 6 April 1987,c. 53]The estimated averge windthrow hazard classification of this area is 4–5, on a rising scale of 1–6. This is fairly typical of upland areas in other parts of Scotland.