§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Forestry Commission will adopt a policy of offering sites of special scientific interest in its ownership which are considered for privatisation on a first refusal basis to nature conservation or heritage organisations.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Forestry Commission has had such a policy since its programme of land sales began in 1981. Details of the arrangements followed are set out in appendix IX, paragraphs 15–17, of the Commission's 1989–90 annual report.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the Forestry Commission's policy towards land which is designated as a site of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIt has long been the Forestry Commission's policy to agree plans with the Nature Conservancy Council and its successor bodies for the management of sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) on commission land and to consult with them over all grant-aid and felling applications affecting SSSIs on privately-owned land.