§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about changes affecting the area of ancient semi-natural woodland since 1962.
§ Mr. MacleanDetails of changes since 1962 are not available. However, the former Nature Conservancy Council's—now English Nature's—ancient woodland inventory shows that in England and Wales, of the area of ancient woodland present in 1930, 38 per cent. has been replaced by plantations usually of non-native species and 7 per cent. has been cleared for other land uses. The Government's broadleaves policy, the changes to the criteria for felling licences, introduced in 1984 and 1985 and the more recent woodland management scheme have resulted in a marked reduction in the rate of change.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it part of his planning policy to prevent any further loss of ancient semi-natural woodland.
§ Mr. MacleanThe felling of woodland is not a development under the town and country planning system. The protection of ancient woodland will however be a material consideration in preparing development plans and determining planning applications. Felling which is
370WThe following statistics show fair rents registered for housing association tenants in the years 1981 to 1991, and assured tenancy rents for new lettings made in 1990 and 1991. As registered fair rents are fixed for two years the changes between the annual averages below are not comparable with the increases in the RPI.
undertaken other than for development purposes is effectively controlled through the felling licence system administered by the Forestry Commission. Sites of special scientific interest which may include ancient woodland are given particular protection and development in or near them is strictly controlled.