§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the circumstances in which planting grant and felling licence applications are referred to him by the Forestry Commission.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe forestry commissioners seek a ministerial view on any planting grant or felling licence application in respect of which there is an unresolved objection from a consulted authority, except where the commissioners decide to refuse the application on the basis of the objection. This procedure accords with a ministerial direction given to the commissioners under section 1(4) of the Forestry Act 1967.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the outstanding forestry planting grant and felling licence applications referred to him by the Forestry Commission; when each was so referred; when he expects to be able to announce a decision for each one; and for which cases further consultation is still being considered.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend has no forestry planting grant or felling licence applications before him at present.