Steve Brine joined a small group of MPs meeting with DEFRA Ministers on Wednesday 26th January to find out more about the Government's position on forestry.
The Winchester & Chandler’s Ford MP was looking for assurance that no decisions have yet been taken, and wished to strongly represent his constituents to ensure there was no hidden agenda.
He said: “We all wanted to know what the actual position was and the Government’s intention following some of the hysterical reporting we have seen over the past few weeks.
“I was encouraged by the clear statement that this Government has a great belief in our forests (both those in private ownership already and the 18% currently not) and the recognition that Ministers want to see enhanced tree cover in England, including 1 million new trees planted by the end of this Parliament.”
In contrast to some media reports, Steve was assured that no decisions have been taken, and that Ministers, including Caroline Spelman and Jim Paice, are very aware of the level of scrutiny being placed on them by MPs on this subject.
Steve continued: “They made clear that no heritage forest (including the New Forest of course) will be touched or even proposed to be touched and said it was utterly the wrong assumption that any future change in ownership of the 18% will move ownership into private hands. They did also remind me that 25,000 acres of forest has been sold off in the last 13 years which was a figure new to me.”
There is a public consultation on the subject, which runs until 21st April. Steve added: “I would strongly urge all my interested constituents to take a look at this and have their say.
More information...
See Caroline Spelman’s written statement to Parliament, and a link to the consultation, by clicking on http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/01/27/englands-forests/