Maintaining Public Ownership Of Scottish Forests

EDM number 467 in 2008-09, proposed by Willie Rennie on 15/01/2009.
Categorised under the topic of Forestry.

That this House notes with deep concern the SNP Scottish Government's proposal to lease 25 per cent. of the most commercially, viable, publicly-owned Scottish forests to private investment companies for up to 75 years; further notes that the 25 per cent. could equate to 40 per cent. of production for the Forestry Commission, which could significantly diminish essential income for investment in maintaining tourist activities such as the 7stanes network and for creating new leisure-access initiatives such as mountain biking, walking, orienteering and other community woodland projects; recognises the importance of Scotland's woods and forests and the potential for raising capital for expansion of woodland cover; considers that Forestry Commission jobs and associated jobs are under threat; further recognises that timber and wood processing companies depend on security of wood supply and that Forestry Commission cutting contracts face an uncertain future if those cutting rights are taken away; urges the SNP Scottish Government to commit to maintaining sufficient availability of wood for these industries; further considers that the SNP Scottish Government should commission a comprehensive survey of wood availability and demand, in conjunction with Forestry Commission Scotland, Forestry Commission Wales and Forestry Commission England and with the wood industries; further recognises with concern the detrimental effects that this proposal could have on the Scottish landscape, economy and environment; and calls for its immediate withdrawal from the Scottish Climate Change Bill.

This motion has been signed by a total of 31 MPs.