§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what incentives he is considering to protect the forested areas of the United Kingdom.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe forested areas of Britain are generally well protected. The felling of trees is controlled by the Forestry Commission in exercise of its powers under the Forestry Act 1967; the commission is also active in protecting the health of trees.
The protection of forests in Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.