Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Afforestation – 6 July 1987

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Afforestation on 6th July 1987.

Dr. David Clark Asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what return to the nation is expected for new afforestation proposals made by the Forestry Commission; and if he will publish any guidelines on this subject which have been issued by his Department to the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Major The overall financial targets set for the Forestry Commission are to achieve an overall return, in real terms, of 3 per cent. on its forest estate and 5 per cent. on its commercial recreation investment. It also has objectives in the fields of rural employment, recreation and the environment. The commission’s performance over the period from 1982 to 1987 will be reviewed later in the year when the accounts for 1986-87 are completed and performance targets for the next three years will then be set.