HC Deb 14 April 1993 vol 222 cc588-9W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what input has been received from non-governmental organisations in relation to the development of the national plan to implement the non-binding statement of forest principles agreed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development;

(2) what progress has been made with regard to the development of the national plan to implement the non-binding statement of forest principles agreed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 2 April 1993]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 1 February 1993, Official Report, column 18. The national plan is still in course of preparation. We have not yet sought the views of non-governmental organisations, but will do so later this year before the plan is completed.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what incentives exist for the production of hardwoods from broadleaved woodlands in the United Kingdom.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 2 April 1993]: The Government provide grants, through the woodland grant scheme, to encourage the establishment of new broadleaved woodlands and the better management of existing broadleaved woodlands to meet a range of objectives, including the production of quality hardwood timber. The grants are supported by advice, which is summarised in Forestry Commission Handbook No. 9, "Growing Broadleaves for Timber", a copy of which is in the Library of the House