§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the Forestry Commission's policy on giving grants for the growing of traditional English oak, Quercus robur; and what proposals the European Commission has made on genetic purity of tree species.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 16 December 1991]: The Forestry Commission pays a higher rate of grant for the planting or regeneration of broadleaved species, including Quercus robur. In ancient semi-natural woodlands, the commission will grant-aid the establishment only of species which are appropriate to the ecology of the site; this will often include Quercus robur.
EC directive No. 66/404 introduced arrangements for the registration of sources of good quality seed with the aim of improving the genetic quality of trees being used within the Community. EC directive No. 71/161 requires that tree seed offered for sale must have less than 1 per cent. impurities, which includes seed from another species. There are, however, derogations from these requirements in favour of the United Kingdom which permit the collection and planting of acorns from non-registered stands of native oak.