§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the direct cost to his Department of forestry grants in Wales during the current year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn the period from 1 April 1987 to 1 November 1987, the Forestry Commission's grant payments to private woodland owners in Wales totalled £395, 583.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy with regard to privatising the Forestry Commission, or any part of its activities in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Government has no plans at present to privatise the Forestry Commission or any part of its activities in Wales, but looks to the Commission to continue to rationalise its estate by selling properties that are surplus to its needs or are difficult and expensive to manage.
24WWhen decisions on the aggregate funding for 1988–89 for the Welsh Development Agency and Mid Wales Development have been made, I will give priority to considering their related property development proposals.