§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what mechanism exists for deciding on a Welsh forest policy; [28428]
(2) how Welsh input into the evolution of United Kingdom forest policy is ensured; [28429]
(3) what direct responsibilities he has for forest policy in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [28427]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMy right hon. Friend has responsibility for forestry in Wales and, together with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is jointly responsible for forestry policy in Great Britain.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken in respect of the conclusions of the Minister's working group on forests in Wales. [28430]
§ Mr. JonesMy right hon. Friend has asked the Forestry Commission, through the Forestry Authority for Wales, to take the lead role in furthering the issues raised by the Minister's working group.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his role in respect of the management of the Forestry Commission estate in Wales as it relates to(a) wood, (b) conservation and (c) landscape. [28431]
§ Mr. JonesMy right hon. Friend approves the Commission's plans for managing its estate, including those relating to wood production, conservation and landscape.
Mr. DaisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what corporate plans subject to his approval exist for the Welsh public woodland; [28432]
(2) what targets have been set for Forest Enterprise in Wales; and what role he has in the setting of those targets. [28425]
§ Mr. JonesForest Enterprise's business plan for 1996–97, a copy of which is in the Library, includes targets for Forest Enterprise's activities throughout Great Britain. The plan and the targets were approved by my right hon. Friend.
470W
Mr. DaisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has evaluated on the end use of wood from publicly owned forests in Wales; and what assessment he has made as to whether such wood is used to the best advantage in strengthening and diversifying the economy of rural Wales. [28424]
§ Mr. JonesThe Minister's Welsh forestry group investigated the timber market in Wales. More timber is now processed in Wales than is grown in Wales and over £350 million has been invested in Welsh timber processing industries. These industries are among the most technically advanced in the world; they make 20 per cent. of the newsprint, 25 per cent. of the particleboard and 37 per cent. of the medium density fibreboard produced in Britain. The development of this sector has been a major industrial success story in Wales.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that accounts are published for the Welsh activities of Forest Enterprise. [28426]
§ Mr. JonesForest Enterprise's accounts are published in the Forestry Commission's annual report; separate accounts are not prepared for Wales.