HC Deb 18 November 1998 vol 319 c582W
Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what targets he has set for increasing the proportion of woodland areas in(a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland by 2010. [60106]

Mr. Macdonald

We are committed to increasing the area of woodland in Britain, but we have not set any specific targets.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy regarding the sale of Forestry Commission woodlands. [59829]

Mr. Macdonald

As promised in our election manifesto, we have put an end to the large scale sales of Forestry Commission woodland. While the Commission will be able to buy and sell assets in order to manage its estate efficiently, any future woodland sales will be restricted to relatively small and isolated blocks of woodland which do not make a significant contribution to the Commission's objectives and are surplus to its requirements. Woodland which is important for public access will not be sold unless an access agreement is in place.