Written question asked by Lord McCabe (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 April 2000. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 April 2000 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what performance targets have been set for the Forest Service for the financial year 2000-01. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Forest Service for the financial year 2000-01. [120235] Mr. Ingram: The following key targets have been set for the Forest Service for 2000-01: Achieve 700 hectares of new planting in public and private sectors combined Offer for sale 340,000 Achieve 440,000 paying visitors Maintain the forest estate under sustainable management Approve (or reject) 90 per cent. of applications under the Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme within eight weeks of receipt of a properly completed application form Following planting, pay 90 per cent. of grant claims within eight weeks of receipt of a properly completed claim form Complete a strategic review of NI forestry policy by 31 March 2001 Achieve an outturn which meets the targeted net cost of the forestry programme Achieve 3 per cent. efficiency gains Control DRC and programme expenditure to within 1 per cent. of the final control totals. The Forest Service Business Plan for 2000-02 will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses at a later date.

Secondary information