§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he takes account of the Forestry Commission's duty under section 11 of the Countryside Act to have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside in considering the degree of expertise in nature conservation possessed by potential appointees to the Commission.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWhen selecting staff for employment, the Forestry Commission takes into account all qualifications and experience which are relevant to the job concerned. A degree of expertise in nature conservation would be relevant in employing field officers, many of whom have qualifications and experience in this area. In addition, the commission employs specialist staff on environmental duties, and retains consultants on nature conservation, landscape architecture and archaeology.