HC Deb 25 November 1993 vol 233 cc179-80W
Sir David Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations the review group has received on the subject of the privatisation of the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Lang

More than 340 organisations and 1,450 individuals have made submissions or offered comment direct to the Forestry review group. Comment has also been addressed to Ministers and officials in the other departments represented on the group. The majority of letters are concerned about the effect that privatisation might have on access to woodlands, security of timber supplies and the environment.

Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the future of the Forestry Commission.

Sir Hector Monro

Forestry Ministers have asked the forestry review group to review the effectiveness of the current incentives for forestry investment, in accordance with the manifesto commitment, and options for the ownership and management of Forestry Commission woodlands, and 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.

My right hon. Friend does not wish to make any statement about the future of the Forestry Commission until Ministers have received and studied the advice of the review group.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements exist for the making of submissions to him from local people, organisations and local authorities in respect of which areas of Forestry Commission land should not be privatised.

Sir Hector Monro

Forestry Ministers have asked the forestry review group to review options for the ownership and management of Forestry Commission woodlands, and 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.

Once they have received and considered the advice of the review group they will decide what further action, if any, should be taken.

In the meantime, individuals and interested bodies are welcome to address comments on the work of the review group to its Secretary:

  • G. S. Pearson
  • Secretary, Forestry Review Group
  • Room 5/42
  • New St. Andrew's House
  • Edinburgh
  • EH1 3TG