§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what contribution to the United Kingdom economy is made by the timber trade.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 1 July 1993]: The total value added by the timber trade, including the forestry and wood processing industries, is about £8,000 million annually; this represents about 1½per cent. of the gross domestic product. The wood processing industry accounts for about 6½ per cent. of manufacturing industry.
§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to introduce a country certification scheme to prove to potential purchasers of British-grown timber United Kingdom forests are sustainably managed.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 1 July 1993]: The Forestry Commission has already laid the basis for a certification scheme. Permission to fell trees is given by the commission's forestry authority arm only if the felling proposals are
in accordance with the Government policy to promote the sound management of woodlands as a renewable natural resource".A statement to this effect is included in plans of operation approved under the commission's woodland grant scheme and will soon be included in felling licences.
§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on allowing the independent inspection and certification of the United Kingdom's forest management policies implemented by the Forestry Commission.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 1 July 1993]: The forestry authority arm of the Forestry Commission 51W implements the Government's forestry policy in Great Britain, regulates the forestry industry, and monitors forestry standards. There is therefore no need for any other organisation to carry out inspections or certification.