National Forest Company

HC Deb 29 January 2001 vol 362 cc22-3W

Mr. Sawford

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to undertake a review of the National Forest Company. [147948]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

My Department has today launched a review of the National Forest Company. The Company was established as a non-departmental public body in April 1995 and, in line with Cabinet Office guidelines for all such bodies, must be reviewed at least every five years.

The review will consider all the organisational options for the Company, but will concentrate on the effectiveness of its delivery mechanisms.

The review will be led by DETR, but the Review Group will also include representatives from Forestry Commission and the Company itself. The Company's partners and other interested parties will be consulted.

The review is expected to be completed within four to five months.