The consultation
on the future management of the Public Forest Estate has been
halted and all forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill will be
removed, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman confirmed today.
Mrs Spelman also announced that an independent panel of experts
will examine forestry policy in England and report back to her in
the autumn.
Speaking in the House of Commons the Environment Secretary said;
“I would first like to say that I take full responsibility for
the situation that brings me before the House today.
“Let me make it clear that we have always placed the highest
priority on preserving access and protecting our forests. But the
forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill, published well before
we launched the consultation, gave the wrong impression as to the
Government’s intentions.
“That is why I am today announcing three steps which will allow
for more measured and rational debate about the future direction
of forestry policy.
“First, I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the
future of the Public Forest Estate and I take full responsibility
for that. I am doing so because it is quite clear from the early
responses to the consultation that the public and many MPs are not
happy with the proposals we set out.
“Second, the Government will support the removal of the forestry
clauses from the Public Bodies Bill, currently at committee stage
in the House of Lords.
“And thirdly I would like to announce that I am establishing an
independent Panel to consider forestry policy in England. It will
report to me with its findings this autumn. The Panel will advise
me on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in
England, on the role of the Forestry Commission, and on the role
of the Public Forest Estate. The Panel will include
representatives of key environmental and access organisations
alongside representatives of the forestry industry. I will shortly
publish its membership and terms of reference.
“If there is one clear message from this experience, it is that
people cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits they
bring. My first priority throughout this period of debate has been
securing a sustainable future for our woodlands and forests. On
many occasions in the House last autumn, Ministers gave assurances
that our aim in all of this has been to do more to maintain and
enhance the public benefits delivered by forestry – from
recreational access to wildlife protection; from tackling climate
change to sustaining a wide range of small businesses. That is why
my ambition to provide a better future for our forests is undiminished.
“We have already heard positive suggestions about how we can do
this – for heritage forests and all other woodlands. We have
spoken to the RSPB, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, the
Wildlife Trusts, the Ramblers and other groups. The Forestry
Commission has itself acknowledged that change is needed and will
of course be fully engaged in this process going forward, as I
know they have many ideas to contribute.
“We have also been listening to MPs on all sides of the House
many of whom have set up their own initiatives with local groups.
We want to support them in this.
“Finally, I am sorry, we got this one wrong, but we have listened
to people’s concerns. I would like to thank colleagues for their
support through what has been a difficult time. I now want to move
forward in step with the public. I hope that the measures I have
announced today, signalling a fresh approach, demonstrate my
intention to do the right thing for our forests and woodlands.”
13/11
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Martin Deller
Phone: 020 7238 5334
martin.deller@defra.gsi.gov.uk