HC Deb 02 February 1994 vol 236 cc736-7W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) in respect of how many forest parks in England she has given an assurance that they will not be privatised; and if she will make a statement;

(2) if she will list the precise criteria which led the Government to exempt the New Forest from privatisation; how those criteria have been applied to other Forestry Commission lands in England; and if she will list the land affected in each case.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

In giving the assurance that the New Forest will not be privatised, full account was taken of its place in the nation's history and heritage. Ministers will await the advice of the Forestry Review Group before considering what action, if any, should be taken in respect of the ownership and management of other Forestry Commission woodlands, including forest parks.