§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will issue guidance on the preparation of forest strategies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI am pleased to be able to announce today the issue of a new circular, jointly with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales which provides guidance to relevant local authorities on the drawing up of forestry strategies for their areas. The issue of the circular follows up a consultation exercise held earlier in the year, announced as part of the action for the countryside initiative.
The main thrust of forest policy has changed over recent years. Increasingly new forests are designed with multiple objectives in mind. The value of forests for landscape, recreation and wildlife, as well as a general environmental resource, is now seen by the Government as being equally important as timber production. Accordingly, it is increasingly important that new forests are located in the right places. Indicative forestry strategies 505W will provide a means of identifying preferred locations for new woodlands as well as areas where such expansion may be inappropriate, because of environmental or other reasons.
I am arranging for copies of the circular to be placed in the Library of the House.