§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage of sawlogs which the Forestry Commission estimates will fail the M75 grading from plantations spaced at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3m, respectively.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonM75 grading refers to a classification used to describe strength of sawn wood. The percentage and total yield per hectare of sawn wood falling below M75 grading vary with age, species, thinning and pruning treatment, as well as, in certain instances, the original spacing of the plantation. No estimate is available of the effect of spacing on all species. Where, however, there is evidence that significant reductions in the yield of higher grades may result from wider spacing, this is taken into account in current silvicultural practice.
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy regarding future tree planting undertaken by the Forestry Commission in Scotland, with particular regard to the area of bare land to be annually afforested, the percentage of broadleaved trees to be used and the rate of return to be expected from such afforestation.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Forestry Commission will continue to have a programme of new planting in Scotland of between 4,000 and 5,000 hectares a year. It is the commission's policy to incorporate at least 5 per cent. broadleaves in its planting schemes wherever it is practical to do so. New planting by the commission in Scotland between 1987 and 1990 is expected to earn 2.5 per cent. It would be 2.8 per cent. if there were no provision for the planting of broadleaves.