§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has regarding the number of tourist visits paid to forests run by the Forestry Commission in 1986; and what information he has about any plans to develop forests further for tourism.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonInformation is not available in the form requested, but surveys carried out in 1987 suggest that as many as five million visits are made to Forestry Commission forests on a Sunday in the peak holiday season. The commission is reviewing its recreation policies at present, giving particular consideration to how it might further encourage tourism and collaborate with other interested agencies to help meet the growing demand for countryside recreation. Three new forest parks were announced in 1987, with special provision for public access and recreation.