HC Deb 08 July 1992 vol 211 cc260-1W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the amount of Forestry Commission land, in acres, held in 1980 and the amount sold off in each year since 1980; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Hector Monro

The Forestry Commission managed 1,263,400 hectares on 31 March 1980. The amount of land, in hectares, disposed by the Forestry Commission in each year since 1980 is shown below.

Year ending 31 March Area disposed (hectares)
1981 2,240
1982 10,423
1983 12,108
1984 44,570
1985 28,857
1986 16,573
1987 10,956
1988 8,929
1989 7,675
1990 7,851
1991 7,428
11992 6,684
1 (provisional).
One hectare = 2.471 acres).

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking against infestation by aphids attacking Scottish forests.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 7 July 1992]: The only species of aphid which is causing significant damage to forests in Scotland is the green spruce aphid—Elatobium abietinum—populations of which increase following mild winters and springs of the kind experienced in Scotland this year. This aphid feeds on the older needles of spruce trees causing discolouration and loss of needles. In severe infestations, the current year's foliage can also be affected. Although the aphid reduces the rate of growth of the trees it does not cause permanent damage or death.

There is no practical means of controlling the aphid over large areas, although Christmas trees are regularly sprayed against it. The Forestry Commission's research division is seeking to develop strains of spruce which will he more resistant to attack by the aphid.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what public consultation procedures were undertaken, prior to the granting of financial assistance in respect of afforestation in Strath Cuileannach, Sutherland; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 30 June 1992]: Before the Forestry Commission approved the woodland grant scheme application in this case, it consulted the then Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland, the Countryside Commission for Scotland, the Red Deer Commission, the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department and Highland regional council. This involved consideration of an environmental statement provided by the applicants under the terms of the Environmental Assessment (Afforestation) Regulations 1988, which was also advertised in local newspapers for public comment. Planting has only just started and no grants have been paid to date.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to respond to the report from Dr. Tim Hunter on the investment of £2 million of public money in the Forest Farm afforestation scheme in Sutherland; how many long-term jobs he expects to be created as a result of this investment; how many long-term jobs are expected to be lost as a result of this scheme; and whether he will urgently review the criteria governing public investment in private forestry as a result of Dr. Hunter's report.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 30 June 1992]: I am studying Dr. Hunter's report, which I received last week, and a response will he sent to him soon.

The Forest Farm afforestation scheme is expected to create 10 jobs in the long term. The present owners acquired the land with vacant possession, so the scheme has not, in itself, resulted in any job losses; in the region of 1,500 hectares will continue to be used for sheep grazing which will provide continuing employment for at least one person.

The planting proposals were subject to environmental assessment and involved widespread consultation as described in the answer I have given today to a question from the hon. Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Wilson). I am satisfied that the criteria governing the payment of forestry grant were properly followed in this case and I can see no need to review them.