Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 February 2012.

Forestry Commission

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Forestry Commission about the consequences of recent cuts to the Commission's budget for its work on (1) wildlife, with particular reference to the Lake District and Kielder Forest, (2) the return to the Lake District and Kielder Forest of osprey and red kites and the preservation of red squirrels in the same area, (3) control of tree disease including in larch trees, and (4) the Commission's education services; and what was the outcome of those discussions.

Answer: No specific discussions have taken place. The Forestry Commission, as a non-ministerial department, is responsible for managing within its budget and is now implementing its plans to achieve the level of reform required to realise necessary savings. Whilst achieving this, it recognises the need to protect spending on high priority areas such as biosecurity and plant health. The Forestry Commission recognises it may need to adapt its plans following the Government's response to the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Forestry and has structured its proposals in such a way that this flexibility can be achieved. The panel's recommendations are expected later this year and until they have been considered by the Government, the Forestry Commission must continue with the restructuring in order to achieve the financial savings required over the next four years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15822; 735 c342WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Finance Education Disease control Forestry Commission Nature conservation Wildlife Trees Lake District Squirrels Birds of prey Kielder Forest
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk