Written question asked by Cynog Dafis (Plaid Cymru), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 May 1996. It was answered by Gwilym Jones (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 May 1996 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: What information he has evaluated on the end use of wood from publicly-owned forests in Wales; and what assessment he has made as to whether such wood is used to the best advantage in strengthening and diversifying the economy of rural Wales. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Dafis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has evaluated on the end use of wood from publicly-owned forests in Wales; and what assessment he has made as to whether such wood is used to the best advantage in strengthening and diversifying the economy of rural Wales.[28424] Mr. Jones: The Minister's Welsh forestry group investigated the timber market in Wales. More timber is now processed in Wales than is grown in Wales and over £350 million has been invested in Welsh timber processing industries. These industries are among the most technically advanced in the world; they make 20 per cent. of the newsprint, 25 per cent. of the particleboard and 37 per cent. of the medium density fibreboard produced in Britain. The development of this sector has been a major industrial success story in Wales.

Secondary information