Written question asked by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 January 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 January 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: Statement on what plans she has to review the options for further decentralising handling of forestry policy and management. - Inc ref to 368 c301W, 10 May 2001.

Answer: Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to review the options for further decentralising handling of forestry policy and management. [26399] Mr. Morley: When I announced the completion of the first stage of the review of the Forest Enterprise executive agency on 10 May 2001, Official Report, column 301W, I 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 for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 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.

Secondary information