HL Deb 26 January 2000 vol 608 cc198-9WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were Forest Enterprise's production forecasts for roundwood softwood (of less than sawmill size) for each of the last five years and for the coming five years; and what amounts were actually sold in each year and at what average price. [HL552]

Baroness Hayman

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 to Lord Hylton from the Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise, Dr B McIntosh.

I have been asked to reply to your question about Forest Enterprise's production forecasts and sales of roundwood softwood of less than sawmill size.

I attach two tables which give the information you require.

Table 1 provides details of the production forecast for small roundwood for the 10 years 1995 to 2004.

Table 2 provides details of quantities of small roundwood sold direct by Forest Enteprise to wood processors in the five years up to 1999 and the average price received. However, over half of all the timber sold by Forest Enterprise during the period was sold standing and the proportion of small roundwood in this type of sale is not recorded.

Table 1: Production Forecast
Year Small Roundwood (m3)
1995 2,111,212
1996 2,149,970
1997 2,290,933
1998 2,196,545
1999 2,175,106
2000 2,175,106
2001 2,175,106
2002 2,050,858
2003 2,050,858
2004 2,050,858

Table 2: Direct Production
Year Small Roundwood (m3) Average Price £
1994–95 1,027,458 20.30
1995–96 992,540 21.86
1996–97 984,656 22.68
1997–98 940,873 22.31
1998–99 1,043,961 19.20