SALE OF FORESTS

Early day motion 1337, tabled 25 January 2011 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 35 members.

That this House notes with concern draft plans to sell off areas of public forest in England, potentially including Grizedale Forest in the Lake District; recognises that public ownership has ensured biodiversity, carbon storage, sustainability as well as public access; believes that the value the Exchequer would gain from the sale of these forests would be outweighed by the long-term environmental, landscape and economic costs; and calls on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to consider alternative options.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, DUP 5, Liberal Democrat 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1.