§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer on 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 582, on woodland areas, if the Ceulan forest has been offered for sale; and if he will make a statement. [68152]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe 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. Christopher Gill, dated 2 February 1999:
The Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to reply to your Question No 68152 asking if Esgair Ceulan (Ceulan Forest) has been offered for sale.Ceulan Forest was offered for sale on the open market on 4 November 1998 through local agents, Strutt & Parker. A closing date of 15 December was set, four offers were received and the highest was accepted. The matter is in the hands of the Commission's lawyers and completion is expected by the end of March.The wood has a number of public footpaths and bridleways but you will be pleased to learn that a Public Access Agreement has been signed with Powys County Council. Public access to the whole wood will therefore be protected after the sale is completed.I hope this answers your question.