MINISTER MUST COUNT COST OF JOBS PUT AT RISK BY FORESTRY PLANS (Jim Hume)

MINISTER MUST COUNT COST OF JOBS PUT AT RISK BY FORESTRY PLANS

February 9, 2009 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP and Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, has today commented on the release of the woodland expansion strategy paper, voicing concerns for job losses and future land use.

The MSP has led the campaign against leasing out Scotland's forests to private investment companies.

Jim Hume said:

"Despite widespread opposition from forestry unions, environmental and land based groups, timber companies, tourism and leisure businesses, and almost 10,000 signatories to the Liberal Democrat petition, the Scottish Government continues to peddle this ridiculous plan.

"The Environment Minister thinks he'll net a one off £200million profit, but under his plans the Forestry Commission could lose up to £20million a year for the 75 year term of the lease.

"The quick buck notional sum which may be earned by the Scottish Government is dwarfed by the £1.5billion that will be lost. It is about time the Minister started counting the cost of the jobs that are put at risk by the effective sell off of some of Scotland's most prized natural assets, a sell off which he has already admitted has been the focus of discussions with private investment bank, Rothschild.

"I'm also concerned that there will be huge implications for land use because the Minister is proposing to create 25,000 acres of new forests per year. There could be severe implications for the agriculture sector. "The sooner the Scottish Government drops these plans, the sooner we can begin discussing constructive proposals that will help us tackle climate change."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Forestry Commission Trade Union estimates that £20million annually will be lost under plans to lease 25% of Scotland's forests to private investment companies

More information on the Scottish Liberal Democrat campaign against the plans can be found at www.scotlibdems.org.uk/saveourforests

97% of almost 10,000 people surveyed by the Liberal Democrats have said they are against the plans