LIB DEMS KILL OFF SNP PLANS TO LEASE OUT SCOTLAND'S FORESTS (Jim Hume)

LIB DEMS KILL OFF SNP PLANS TO LEASE OUT SCOTLAND'S FORESTS

June 2, 2009 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland and Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, has today (Tuesday) killed off the SNP Governments discredited plans to lease out Scotland's forests.

Mr Hume secured cross party support in the Climate Change Committee for an amendment to the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill removing the clause that would allow for the leasing off of Scotland's forests.

Commenting, Mr Hume said:

"The forestry estate is particularly important for the South of Scotland and Liberal Democrats led the campaign to protect this valuable asset.

"I am glad that MSPs supported my amendment and killed off the SNP's plans to lease off one of our most valuable natural features.

"Ministers were naïve to underestimate the strength of feeling against these plans. This decision was right.

"Thanks to the Liberal Democrats campaign, our forests will be there for everyone to enjoy for many years to come."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

Mr Hume today (Tuesday) secured cross party support for the removal of subsection (4) in section 47, page 20, line 7 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill.

The text of this subsection, which MSPs have now voted to remove, would have allowed for Ministers to lease off parts of Scotland's forests to independent organisations. The text read as follows:

The order may also make provision about the delegation by the Forestry Commissioners of their functions, including - (a) the circumstances in and purpose for which those functions may be delegated; (b) the functions which may be delegated; © the persons to whom such functions may