§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what further support his Department proposes to promote existing projects currently experimenting with the integration of woodland-based manufacturing economies with an increase in the planting of deciduous woodland; and if he will make a statement on his assessment of the advantages of supporting existing projects;; [3226]
(2) what research his Department has (a) planned, (b) commissioned and (c) evaluated with regard to integrating proposals to increase deciduous woodland with the creation of woodland-based manufacturing economies; what financial commitments his Department has made in this area; and if he will make a statement. [3230]
§ Mr. KynochThe area of broadleaved woodland in Britain has increased dramatically since the introduction of our broadleaves policy. We recognise the need to ensure that suitable markets for hardwood are readily available to woodland owners. In our recent rural White Papers for Scotland, England and Wales, we outlined our commitments to promoting sustainable woodland management and developing new markets for hardwood products. The Forestry Commission is involved in a range of initiatives including highland birchwoods, Cumbria400W broadleaves and Coed Cymru, as well as the "WoodLots" marketing information service, all of which are very successful.
We are supporting a number of research projects on broadleaves forest products, including the grading of British hardwoods for structural purposes, the bonding of lower value wood into laminated veneer lumber and improving the potential of wood for fuel. The Forestry Commission currently spends some £300,000 per annum on research on all types of forest products.