§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the apportionment of Forest Enterprise's assets; what agreement has been reached on the apportionment; and if he will make a statement. [23485]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 16 January 1998]: Land managed by Forest Enterprise is owned by the three Forestry Ministers (the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food). After devolution, it is proposed that, in Scotland and Wales, such land will be transferred to the Scottish Ministers and the Welsh Assembly respectively.
§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to authorise sales of standing timber belonging to the Forestry Commission prior to the Scottish Parliament taking responsibility for this matter. [23743]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe Forestry Commission fells and restocks areas of woodland as part of the sustainable management of its estate. About half the trees which are felled are sold standing, and the purchasers make their own arrangements to fell and market them. This routine forestry practice does not require specific authorisation by Ministers.
§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to authorise further sales of Forestry Commission land prior to the Scottish Parliament taking responsibility for this matter. [23764]
§ Mr. MacdonaldLast May, we imposed a moratorium on the sale of forest land managed by the Forestry Commission. This moratorium is still in place. We are currently considering the Commission's future activities as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review. We will announce our conclusions in due course.