§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects Forest Enterprise to commit itself to the Forestry Stewardship Certification Scheme. [24311]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 20 January 1998]: The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by Forest Enterprise. I have asked its Chief Executive, Dr. Bob McIntosh, to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Bob McIntosh to Mr. James Paice, dated 22 January 1998:
The Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to reply to your Question about when it is expected that Forest Enterprise will commit itself to the Forestry Stewardship Certification Scheme.687WForest Enterprise has no current plans to seek certification by the Forestry Stewardship Council. The wider issue of certification of British forests is being actively debated within the UK forestry community and the Forestry Stewardship Council is a party to these discussions. It is hoped that a scheme which satisfies all parties can be brokered by the Forestry Commission and at that stage Forest Enterprise will decide whether, in addition to independent certification, it sees market advantages in seeking endorsement by the Forestry Stewardship Council or indeed any other similar body.I hope this answers your question, but please come back to me if you would like further information.