HC Deb 20 April 1998 vol 310 cc442-3W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if an order under subsection 1(1)(b) in Schedule 6 to the Government of Wales Bill could exempt Forestry Commissioners in Wales from applying the recently agreed UK Forestry standard; and if he will make a statement. [38627]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The Assembly will inherit the UK Forestry Standard. Subsequently, it will be for the Assembly to decide the standards which the Commission will apply in Wales.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, following the proposed separation of functions in relation to Wales, the Forestry Commission will(a) produce a framework document and supporting corporate plan for Wales and (b) address nature conservation objectives and targets previously agreed on a Great Britain basis; and if he will make a statement. [38625]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The Forestry Commission will prepare separate corporate plans for England, Scotland and Wales covering all the Commission's objectives including nature conservation.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the requirements which could be disregarded by Forestry Commissioners in Wales subject to a order under subsection 1(1)(b) in Schedule 6 to the Government of Wales Bill; and if he will make a statement. [38624]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The purpose of the powers provided by subsection 1(1)(b) of Schedule 6 of the Government of Wales Bill is to allow the Forestry Commissioners to exercise their functions in Wales separately and distinctly from England and Scotland. In exercising their functions in Wales, the Forestry Commissioners would not be obliged to have regard to the circumstances of, or requirements in, England or Scotland.

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