HC Deb 07 July 1993 vol 228 cc167-8W
27. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's review of the future of forestry policy in the United Kingdom.

Sir Hector Monro

The review which my right hon. Friend announced on 30 March 1993 is progressing well, although it is still at an early stage in its task. As part of that review the Forestry Commission has issued a consultation paper seeking views on the effectiveness of the current incentives for forestry investment.

28. Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received about the Government's forestry review.

36. Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding his review of the options for the ownership and management of Forestry Commission woodlands.

Sir Hector Monro

Over 500 letters have been received offering comment on the work of the review which my right hon. Friend established on 30 March. Comment has come from all quarters, including hon. Members, organisations with interests in forestry, timber production, the environment and the recreational uses of forests.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider extending the review group on the Forestry Commission to include a representative from a conservationist group; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Hector Monro

The Forestry Review group already includes representatives from the Department of the Environment, the Welsh Office and the Scottish Office which are the Government Departments with responsibil-ity for nature conservation. In addition, the chairman and secretariat are provided by the Scottish Office Environment Department.

The review group is working to a remit which requires it to make proposals for changes which would improve the effectiveness of the delivery of the Government's forestry policy objectives, having regard to the Government's other economic and environmental policies. Concern for nature conservation is an integral component of existing forestry policy.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what groups have been called on by the forestry review group to give external advice and assistance; and if he will put copies of their submissions in the Library.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 24 June 1993]: The Forestry Commission has asked Canopy Consultants to carry out an environmental survey of a sample of private woodlands which have received grant aid during the last 15 years. This survey will inform the review of the effectiveness of current incentives for forestry investment which is part of the work of the forestry review group. No other groups have been asked for external advice or assistance.

There are no plans to publish the Canopy Consultants report in advance of the review group making its report to Ministers.