§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what circumstances permission is given by the Forestry Commission to allow the collection of money from the general public in respect of activities other than those provided by or promoted by the Forestry Commission.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWhere, with the Forestry Commission's permission, organisations or individuals offer a service to visitors on commission land, charges for these services may be allowed under a variety of arrangements including leases and permits. Charitable bodies may also be given permission to make collections on commission property.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the policy of the Forestry Commission on the use of mountain bikes on Forestry Commission land; and whether any conditions are imposed restricting such use to(a) roads, bridleways and footpaths and (b) other land.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Forestry Commission places no restriction on the riding of mountain bikes on public rights of way, unless these are limited solely to pedestrian use. The commission also makes other routes available to cyclists, for use on a permissive basis.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Forestry Commission has any policy to impose prohibitions on the use of cameras or video cameras on Forestry Commission land.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRestrictions are not imposed on the use of cameras or video cameras on Forestry Commission land for private purposes unless they are used in such a manner as to cause annoyance to any other person. However, if the cameras are to be used for commercial purposes the commission will normally make a charge.