§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many submissions have now been received by the review group considering the future of the Forestry Commission; and how many of those submissions addressing the question of privatisation of the commission were opposed.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 10 February 1994]: Over 3,500 individuals and organisations have sent representations both to the forestry review group and to Ministers, about the work currently being carried out by the group. A large majority of these submissions which addressed the question of privatisation were opposed to it, with many referring to concerns about the implications for access, environmental considerations and timber production. All representations are being taken into account by the group as it continues its work.