§ Baroness Galeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they plan to review the options for further decentralising forestry policy and management, in the light of continuing experience of devolution. [HL2232]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)When my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Commons (Mr Elliot Morley) announced the completion of the first stage of the review of the Forest Enterprise executive agency on 10 May 2001 (HC Deb col.301 W), he said that we intended to review the options for further decentralisation of forestry policy and management. The Scottish and Welsh forestry Ministers and I have decided that the review will start shortly and report to us in the spring. It will consider the current administrative arrangements for delivering sustainable forestry policies in England, Scotland and Wales and the UK's international forestry commitments, including options for further devolution of these arrangements. The review will be undertaken by officials from the Forestry Commission, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will also be involved in the review. Views will be sought from interested parties during the course of the review.