§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Forestry Commission intends to review its broadleaves policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Government's broadleaves policy is presently being reviewed. My right hon. and learned Friend will make a statement to the House when the review has been completed.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the areas to which the Forestry Commission's felling licence requirements do not apply.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSeveral types of felling are exempt from the felling licence requirements, of which the most important are when:
- 1. The felling is in accordance with an approved plan of operations under one of the Forestry Commission's grant schemes.
- 2. The trees are in a garden, orchard, churchyard or public open space.
- 3. The trees are all below 8 cm in diameter, measured 1.3 m from the ground; or in the case of thinnings, below 10 cm in diameter; or in the case of coppice or underwood, below 15 cm in diameter.
- 4. The trees are interfering with permitted development or statutory works by public bodies.
- 5. The trees are dead, dangerous, causing a nuisance or are badly affected by Dutch elm disease.
- 6. The felling is in compliance with an Act of Parliament.
Also, in any calendar quarter up to 5 cu m of timber may be felled by an occupier without a licence provided not more than 2 cu m are sold. Further information is given in the Forestry Commission's booklet "Control of Tree Felling"—a copy of which can be found in the Library.