§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has for the sale of Forestry Commission forests after 31 March when the present programme of rationalisation comes to an end; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are the current criteria which define the conditions under which Forestry Commission forests ma .y and may not be sold; and whether it is his intention to apply those criteria in respect of any proposed Forestry Commission disposals after 31 March.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Forestry Commission's land disposals programme is at present being reviewed. My right hon. and learned Friend will make a statement to the House when the review has been completed.
The main considerations that the Forestry Commissioners are currently required to take into account in selecting areas for sale have been set out in the form a ministerial guidelines. These are reproduced in appendix V to the commission's 1981–82 annual report, a copy of which is available in the Library.