§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are for improving the environmental representation on the Home Grown Timber Advisory Committee.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe Home Grown Timber Advisory Committee (HGTAC) is the principal statutory body responsible for advising the Forestry Commissioners on forestry matters in Great Britain. The HGTAC already has two members representing environmental interests, and I am pleased to announce that it has now decided to set up a sub-committee to provide a wider forum for informed and constructive consideration of the environmental aspects of forestry. The HGTAC has invited leading representatives from environmental organisations and the forestry industry to become members of the sub-committee. We greatly welcome this initiative, which should further improve understanding between the interests concerned and assist the Forestry Commissioners in fulfilling their statutory duty to balance the needs of productive forestry with those of the environment.