Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Productive Forestry

Wednesday 28 June 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Forestry is a devolved policy but the UK Government works with devolved Administrations to increase tree planting across the United Kingdom.
  • The UK Government aims to support the construction and manufacturing industries with productive forestry.
  • The Secretary of State responds to criticism by stating he personally plants trees and champions Scotland's progress in this area.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Selaine Saxby
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

There is a need to support productive forestry planting that benefits the construction and manufacturing industries.

Question

Whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on supporting productive forestry planting in Scotland. Although 50% of last year's forestry planting was for productive purposes, should there now be a new UK-wide target aiming for 60% of new planting to support construction and manufacturing industries?

Answer from Alister Jack

Forestry is a devolved policy, but we work with the devolved Administrations to deliver a step change in tree planting. My hon. Friend is a champion for this industry and it is the Government's ambition to increase planting across the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about setting a new UK-wide target was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Selaine Saxby
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Productive forestry planting is important for the construction and manufacturing industries.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there should now be a new UK-wide target that aims for 60% of new planting to be productive, allowing Scotland to lead the way for the rest of the UK?

Answer from Alister Jack

My hon. Friend is a champion for this industry and it is the UK Government's ambition to increase planting across the United Kingdom. The Government aims to support the construction and manufacturing industries with productive forestry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about setting a new target of 60% was not addressed directly.

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Q3 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Scotland
Context

Scotland has been leading the way on forestry and tree planting, with over 10,000 hectares planted.

Question

Can the Secretary of State instruct the House on how, around the Cabinet table, he has championed Scotland's progress in this area, or is he too cowering?

Answer from Alister Jack

Not only do I champion it, I plant trees myself.

Not addressed: The question about his actions around the Cabinet table was not addressed; instead, he made a personal statement.

How: Personal Statement

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