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National Access Forum Mark Wrightham Secretary National Access Forum Scottish Natural Heritage Great Glen House IV3 8NW 16 July 2009 murrayferguson@cairngorms.co.uk Dear Mark Fence and hedge at Laurel Bank Lane, beside Tesco’s in Aviemore I am writing to you in your capacity as Secretary to the
National Access Forum so that we can share the lessons that we feel have been
learned as result of our recent experiences in the use of our formal powers
under the Land Reform ( I am sure you will be aware of the recent decision by the
Sherriff Principal in relation to the formal Notice served by CNPA to remove
the fence and hedge in Aviemore.
A very useful case summary, prepared by Scotways, is attached to this
letter. Basically the notice we
served was quashed and CNPA has decided not to appeal to the Court of
Session. The Sherriff Principal decided in favour of Aviemore
Highland Resort (AHR) largely due to a technicality concerning the way in
which the formal Notice had been worded.
This is particularly disappointing given the very long case history
surrounding this fence, the fact that we had won two out of the three arguments
when the interim decision came out earlier this year and that we were waiting
to present further evidence. It is important to remember that this issue arose due to
the long-standing and significant demand from the local community to have
this popular path restored. Also,
there was a protracted period of negotiations to remove the fence and
hedge. When this came to nothing,
and in view of continued community concern, the CNPA served a notice
requiring that AHR remove the obstructions. AHR then appealed the notice and so
initiated the court proceedings. Turning to the issue of whether or not to appeal the
decision, there were three important matters to consider: 1.
Outcome on the ground. Since the Notice was
served, CNPA has granted full planning permission for re-development of the Resort.
There is a now a planning condition in place requiring submission of more
detailed plans for the upgrading and enhancement of the access at this
specific site, all to the approval of CNPA as planning authority. Within a week of the court judgement
the resort managers indicated in the local press that they are now prepared
to remove the fence and hedge and to create a new access to the resort as
part of the redevelopment of the site. This has been confirmed by 2.
Legal precedent: It would be a matter of
considerable concern if the judgement was to set an important legal precedent
that was influential on other similar cases in a way that made the duty to
uphold access rights more difficult. Having taken further legal advice our QC
has advised that this is very unlikely and that no significant precedent is
set by the decision. 3.
Likely chance of success and cost
implications: To
pursue an appeal would result in further legal costs and it was clear that we
could not be confident of winning the case. Taking all three points together it was difficult to see
any advantage in pursuing the matter and therefore it was decided that we
should not appeal the decision.
However, we have identified some important learning points arising
from this judgement: -
The case has served as a timely reminder of
the cost and difficulty of using our formal powers. It is very important to work
cooperatively with land managers, as far as possible, reserving use of our
powers to situations of last resort. This is already our normal working
practice. -
The precise words used in formal notices are
of critical importance and it is good practice to be as specific as possible,
preferably using the words from the legislation as far as possible. When
describing what has prevented or deterred access rights, particular care
should be taken to frame the breach in terms of an act or omission that
occurred since the legislation came into force. -
It would be mistaken to conclude that Land
Reform ( I have already written to Helen Jones at the Scottish
Government to suggest that the formal Guidance to Local Authorities and
National Park Authorities might be modified to highlight the importance of
such issues. I would be
interested to hear from other parties about any observations they have on the
case, and about how we might share knowledge and experience of such issues in
the future. Yours sincerely Head of Visitor
Services & Recreation cc Helen
Jones, Scottish Government Judith Lewis, Scotways Summary
of Aviemore Highland Resort Ltd (AHR) v Cairngorms National Park Authority
CNPA), Inverness Sheriff Court, Ref B94/08 See relevant judgement at http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/B94_08_.html
and the earlier judgement at http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/opinions/b94_08.html
Case
summary prepared by Scotways www.scotways.com
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ConFor – SRDP Update The first of the SRDP changes we have fought so hard
for are finally coming through the system. Following from the “What’s
New” page at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/WhatsNew 20 July 2009 Following the publication of the Cook review, we
expect to be in a position to implement part of the first of the key Rural
Priorities recommendations - the option to bypass the Statement of Intent
(SoI) stage - before the end of July. In the first instance, applicants
will be able to speed up the process by bypassing the SoI assessment and
feedback. An option to completely bypass the SoI part of the application will
go live with amended IT guidance soon. The timescales
for the other planned changes are still under discussion and regular updates
will be provided as these are finalised Yours, Jamie Jamie Farquhar ConFor National Manager for |
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20 JULY 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12685 Skye community group make bid for national forest
land Skye’s Sleat Community Trust has applied to
purchase 440ha of surplus woodland at Tormore on the south east coast of
Skye. Forestry Commission Scotland’s National Forest
Land Scheme gives communities the opportunity to bid to buy or lease national
forest land on the basis that it provides increased public benefits. The Trust aims to maximise the commercial,
educational and biodiversity benefits from the woodland and also to deliver
greater public benefit through improved access and amenity. The group’s plans include the continuing
development of a recreational trail network, developing resources to support
Gaelic education and developing various timber and woodfuel business opportunities.
A 28-day open consultation period is required by the
scheme and public comments on any aspect of the proposal are welcome. Details of the application can be viewed on line at www.forestry.gov.uk/nfls and all comments on the proposals detailed in the
application must be submitted by Sunday 16 August. Responses and comments should be addressed to
Malcolm Wield, Forestry Commission Scotland, Highland Conservancy,
'Woodlands', Forestry Commission Scotland has a policy of making
these comments publicly available, unless requested to keep comments
confidential. |
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Grey Squirrel Control Seminar and Practical Workshop 11 August 2009 Drumlanrig
On
behalf of the Scottish Rural Property & Business Association (SRPBA), The
Queensberry Estate and Red Squirrels in South Scotland (RSSS), we would like
to invite you to our Queensberry Grey Squirrel Control Seminar and Practical
Workshop on Tuesday 11 August 2009 at 10am. The venue for the seminar is Queensberry
Estate, Drumlanrig Mains, Grey
squirrels and the Squirrlepox virus they carry and spread are the primary
threat to the continued survival of red squirrels in southern Topics
covered will include potential funding opportunities through the Scottish
Rural Development Programme (SRDP), the RSSS trap loan scheme, Squirrelpox
virus monitoring, and a general update on conservation efforts in southern Please remember to bring suitable footwear and clothing for the event. The programme for the day may be subject to small changes dependent on weather. This
looks to be a highly informative event and we hope you will join us on this PROGRAMME 10.00am Arrival
at Drumlanrig – meet in car park at front of castle 10.15am Presentation
from Richard Wales, RSSS, followed by open forum 11.00am Refreshments 11.15am Workshops:- Practical
Trapping – setting, naturalising, captures Humane
Dispatch – approved methods Blood
Sampling 1pm app Finish Booking
Form Name:
_______________________________________ Address:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Post Code: ____________________ Tel:
___________________________________ E
mail: _________________________________________________________ I
wish to book : ________ places Return to:
Teresa Dougall, SRPBA, 50A By Monday
10 August 2009 |
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21 JULY 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12689
Industrial History Comes to Life in Lanarkshire Two unique events to be held at the Wilsontown
Ironworks, near Forth, will give an amazing insight into what it was like to
live and work in the ironworks in the 18th and 19th century. The events, held at 2pm – 4pm on Friday 31
July and Sunday 13 September, are part of the Year of Homecoming 2009
celebrations and are organised by Forestry Commission Scotland. Costumed characters from Walking Theatre Company
will guide visitors around the ironworks. They’ll explain how they work
in hard conditions and what it is like to live in the ironworks village with
2,000 other workers. Emma Stewart of Forestry Commission Scotland said: “Now is your chance to find out just what it
was like for a child working down a coal mine or what sort of conditions
people endured in the industrial village, living cheek by jowl to the
furnace. “The ironworks are full of interesting history
and they made a huge contribution to the whole iron manufacturing industry. “We’re bringing this whole amazing story
to life with our costumed characters so it will be quite a unique event. It
will be light-hearted and there’s a chance for people to get quite
involved.” The Wilsontown Ironworks were established in 1779
and was the first of its kind in Lanarkshire and in its heyday a village of
2,000 people evolved at the site. Forestry Commission Scotland is
working on a long-term project with the community to develop the site for
visitors. Also for the Year of Homecoming, there are some
special postcards available with a brilliant illustration from Wilsontown
Ironworks. There are a limited number available with a stamp on so that
they can be posted anywhere in the world. To get hold of a postcard,
contact Forestry Commission Scotland and share your family history connection
to Wilsontown to help build up the picture of the many families that have
roots in this amazing place. To book your place on one of the free events,
contact Emma Stewart on 01698 222205 or email emma.stewart@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
To get your own postcard to send to friends and family contact scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
with your family history information that includes Wilsontown. 17 JULY 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12653 Bennachie Homecoming Festival 2009 People in the north east of Taking place from 3 – 9 August, the Bennachie
Homecoming Festival 2009 features a packed programme of events that is set to
make this a week to remember. The festival is a joint effort involving Forestry
Commission Scotland, Elphinstone Institute, Aberdeenshire Council, Bailies of
Bennachie. Jennifer Fagen, Bennachie Homecoming
Coordinator, said: “We’ve laid on a range of activities
that will appeal to all ages and a wide range of interests. “Everything in the programme – from the
Doric evening of music, song and story to the whopper of a ceilidh and the
annual Bailies Rally – will focus on Bennachie’s rich heritage. “Even the free, guided walks following many of
Bennachie’s trails and tracks will have a unique flavour to them,
focussing on local botany to local history. Come along and discover something
you didn’t know about Bennachie’s many castles – or join
the walk to the old colonists sites and discover what life might have been
like in the distant past." As well as one-off events there will be opportunities
throughout the week to call in at the Bennachie Centre and help to build an
oral history of the area by sharing your memories and your family’s
story. Visitors are also welcome to call in at the Don View
Studio during the festival week and see local artists at work or view works
in the Loovre Gallery. Come and celebrate the cultural and natural heritage
of Bennachie. For further information or to book an event please contact the
Bennachie Centre 01467 681470. TICKETS can also be obtained from Strachans
Newsagent, Inverurie All walks/Castle tours aimed at 12 years and over.
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult and should be booked
in advance. For more information about the Bailies of Bennachie
– a voluntary organisation that aims to safeguard and promote
Bennachie's social and natural history - visit www.bailiesofbennachie.co.uk |
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16
JULY 2009 NEWS RELEASE No: 12660
Family fun in Tentsmuir Are
you looking to find somewhere tranquil where you can enjoy a spot of fresh
air and a leisurely stroll while the kids burn off all that holiday energy? Then
come along to Bid
Strachan, for the Commission’s Tay District team, said: “Tentsmuir
is a stunning location at the best of times but in the height of summer it is
a brilliant place to visit.” The
walks will take place on consecutive Thursdays 23 and 30 July , 6 and 13
August. They will start from the picnic area at 1.00pm and finish at
2.30pm. The
picnic area is 1.5 miles east of the A92, between Leuchars and Tayport in
northeast Suitable
footwear – and waterproofs – are recommended. To
secure a place on one of the walks, contact Bid on 07766 161547 |
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You may be interested in seeing the attached leaflet
"Quantitative Easing Explained" which the Bank of England published
on Friday. It is also available on http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetarypolicy/pdf/qe-pamphlet.pdf Tony Strachan Agent for |
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10 JULY 2009 FC NEWS RELEASE No: 12651 Faerie folk welcome new partnership working Forestry Commission Scotland has taken partnership working
to a new level, with an unspoken agreement being struck up with the Secret
Commonwealth of Faeries. The unusual arrangement came about thanks to
visitors to one special tree in the Cowal & Trossachs District leaving
charms and offerings behind them. Stuart Chalmers, for the Commission, said: “Just over 300 years ago, the Reverend Robert
Kirk wrote a book about the faeries of Aberfoyle (The “Legend has it that the little people were so
annoyed with his book giving away many of their secrets, that they imprisoned
him in Doon Hill under the Scots Pine. “Over the last few years people have been
visiting the site and tying ribbons, photos and charms to the trees in the
area. “Some of the items are quite touching such as
messages to relatives who have died and wishes that sick relatives get
better. Unfortunately these sorts of things don’t weather well and
eventually begin to detract from the natural beauty and the mystery of the
location.” In a bid to ensure that Doon Hill remains an
attractive place for visitors – and to make space for newer offerings -
the Commission’s staff now remove some of the older charms and messages
after a grace period – just long enough for the little people to act. The move is thought to have the blessing of the
faerie folk….who have not made their displeasure known. Contact for further information: e-mail: paul.munro@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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Continuous
Cover Forestry Group Meeting I wondered whether some of your members might be
interested in joining the Continuous Cover Forestry Group's visit to
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7 July 2009
Barry Mill to remain open A National Trust for Barry Mill near Carnoustie in Angus was one of 11 properties being considered for closure as part of the charity’s drive to reduce costs. Now, thanks to additional support from Angus Council and the Gibson Graham Charitable Trust, the mill – the only remaining operational mill of its type on the Scottish mainland will remain open. There will be no staff redundancies. National Trust for “Barry Mill is a
wonderful property and we are very pleased that we are now in a position to
keep it open to the public. It’s an important part of the industrial
heritage of Angus Council’s Convener of Neighbourhood Services Jim Millar said: “The council welcomes the
opportunity to work in partnership with the National Trust for National Trust for Background Notes: As part of a programme to reduce costs, the National Trust for ·
·
Ben
Lawers Mountain Centre, ·
David
Livingstone Centre, Lanarkshire: The Trust will continue to manage the
centre for the David Livingstone Trust. South Lanarkshire Council has taken
over management of the garden. ·
Haddo
House, Aberdeenshire: The house is open to the public for pre-booked tours
and for functions and events. ·
Hill
of Tarvit mansion house: The mansion house closed to the public on 28 June.
The gardens, grounds and Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course remain open to the
public. ·
·
Hutchesons’
Hall, Glasgow: The property is closed to the public. ·
·
Kellie
Castle, ·
Leith
Hall mansion house: The house is closed to the public. The garden and grounds
remain open. |
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6th
July 2009 CENTRAL Environmental
charity Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) has welcomed the announcement of
the new Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) in the Scottish
Government’s latest National Planning Framework. The
second National Planning Framework, published on “It reinforces the priority of the environment within Government policy and I am sure is a decision which will be welcomed by everybody interested in the environment and environmentally-led regeneration.” The CSGN will build on existing greenspace
initiatives across central The CSGN aims to build on the work of
the Glasgow & the Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, the Ends Issued by
The BIG Partnership on behalf of Central Scotland Forest Trust. For further information, please
contact The Planning Framework can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/npf/ |
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3 JULY 2009 FC NEWS RELEASE No: 12608 Volunteers Work Hard in Memory of Dr Cyril Hart The Cyril Hart Arboretum will be a hive of activity
on Monday 6th July. Forestry Commission staff and friends, relatives and some
who worked with Dr Hart will be using the occasion to remember him and to
mark their respects in a way he would have appreciated – by donning
their working gloves. Born in the The Arboretum was started nearly 100 years ago when
a collection of exotic specimen trees was brought back to The volunteers tasks for the day will include
general maintenance jobs – removing broken fencing, grubbing out
re-growth, weeds and bramble from around specimen trees and cleaning all the
signs. Perhaps the most important job of the day will be to
re-label the specimen trees – there are over 100 trees which will have
new labels.The Arboretum Volunteers, who have been working on the site since
last November, welcome the opportunity for extra pairs of hands on the day. Rob Guest, Deputy Surveyor for the Forestry
Commission, “By the end of the day, Cyril Hart’s
Arboretum will be looking very well maintained and will evoke fond memories
of this amazing man for those who knew and respected him.” For more information contact: Heather Lilley, Public
Affairs Manager, Forestry Commission, Forest of Dean District. Heather.lilley@forestry.gsi.gov.uk NOTES: 1. This event is by invitation only – not open
to the general public. 2. The Cyril Hart Arboretum is situated on the B4226
Coleford to Cinderford road close to the Speech House. OS Grid Reference:
SO624118 |
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2
July 2009 The following note was received from FC
Forestry & Corporate Support at Silvan House, Edinburgh. Please let us have your comments so that this
can be considered at the Council Meeting on 16th September. Dear
Sir or Madam, Consultation
on the I
am pleased to announce the start of public consultation on the UK Forestry
Standard and Guidelines by the Forestry Commission and Northern Ireland
Forest Service. I
have attached a copy of the UKFS itself and the consultation questions. All
the documents including the Guidelines are on the FC web-site, www.forestry.gov.uk/ukfs.
The normal consultation period is for 3 months, but with the summer holidays
in prospect we have decided on 4 months so consultation will run until Friday
the 30th of October. Feel free to forward
the attached to other parties whom you think may be able to contribute. The
Forestry Commission and NI Forest Service would very much appreciate your
comments on the documents, and the attached consultation document provides a
framework for responses. (Please note that work is in progress on the Forests
and Water Guidelines and consultation will follow later this year.) We look
forward to receiving your views. Yours
faithfully Richard Howe. Policy Advisor, Standards and CertificationForestry
Commission GB |
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26 JUNE 2009 Awards for Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham presented trophies to the
winners of Scotland's Finest Woods awards during a visit to the Royal
Highland Show at Ingliston today (Friday 26 June). The Minister presented two awards – The Hunter Blair Trophy (for
silvicultural excellence) and The John Kennedy Trophy (for the best example
of multi-purpose forestry). Ms Cunningham said: “Forestry is a multi-faceted business that has a positive impact
on many aspects of our lives. "Woodlands are a fantastic leisure and recreation resource
for communities and individuals, they have a significant impact on our
economy - both through our timber and tourism sectors - and they
are helping us to mitigate the effects of climate
change. “Ensuring that our forest resource can meet the many demands
made on it now – and in the future – comes down to promoting and
encouraging effective and dynamic management. “The Finest Woods Awards celebrate the best of The winners are:
Both sites lie on the national forest estate and are managed by
Forestry Commission Scotland. The awards are run by an independent organisation ( |
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30 June 2009 The Big Fun Run Hi, want to have some fun and help our native woods at the same time. We need
you to take part in the Big Fun Run.
There are six of them happening all around We only ask that you raise what you can and if you pledge to raise more than £40 we’ll give you a t-shirt. A special prize will be awarded to the runner who raises the most. Supporting the work of Scottish Native Woods increases the area of natural woodland upon which so many of our iconic species, like capercaillie, red squirrel and Scottish wildcat, depend. A gift of £50 supports two acres of woodland for a year or the planting of 10 trees with protection from weather and browsing animals. Please complete and return the attached entry form and don’t forget you can set up your own fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/scottishnativewoods/ Our woods need your help.
Thank you Dianne Laing Fundraising Manager dianne.laing@scottishnativewoods.org.uk 01368 840627 07787 830902 |
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25 June 2009 CONFOR WINS ANOTHER MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN
SRDP PROCESS I am pleased to report that after months of
persistent lobbying, we have finally persuaded Scottish Government to alter
the wording of RDC-RP contracts to incorporate flexibility to allow the grant
to be paid at the rate prevailing at the time of claim. This means that
you need no longer fear you will miss any uplift in grant rates that are in
the pipeline for ConFor identified this problem from the very start
of SRDP, which was likely to prevent applicants committing their schemes to a
potentially lower rate of grant support. The situation was made far
worse at the end of last year when SG submitted a plan modification to
increase woodland creation rates to 80% in LFA, and increase the associated
annual maintenance payments by 30% in all areas. The need to alter the
contract wording was one of the key recommendations of the ConFor McRobbie
report, yet unfortunately no action was taken when that report was submitted,
and some schemes that would otherwise have gone through the approval process
by now, are still sitting on agents’ desks. There is now no need for further delay, and with the
other negotiated improvements to the system – the option to bypass the
Statement of Intent, and the fast-tracking of non-contentious forestry
schemes by delegated approval from FCS, all of which will be in place soon,
and certainly in time for what would otherwise have been the November RPAC –
members are urged to dust off their woodland creation schemes and get them
through what should be a vastly quicker and simpler process of approval. Keep watching the SRDP website, and contact your
Woodland Officer for the latest information. RPID are finalising their
implementation timetable to follow on these changes and the others that Richard
Lochhead announced on 10 June. Yours, Jamie Jamie Farquhar ConFor National Manager for T: 07 817 374 906 E: jamie.farquhar@confor.org.uk |
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22 JUNE 2009 Sunart communities celebrate completing first
decade of 100-year plan. Five Lochaber communities today (Monday 22 June) celebrated ten years of landmark achievements in generating economic, community and environmental benefits from their local forests. The Sunart Oakwoods Initiative (SOI) is a
community-wide effort to restore and expand the native woodlands of the
Sunart area and maximise the benefits of this stunning resource. The work is being carried out in partnership with
Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highland &
Islands Enterprise and The Highland Council. Chair of the SOI steering group and local
councillor, Michael Foxley said: “The native woodland and oak forests that
cover the peninsula west of “The Initiative has really consolidated the
strong sense of community here and each of the local communities (Ardgour,
Acharacle, Strontian, Lochaline and Kilchoan) has got involved in managing
and developing the woodlands from their own perspective. “We are beginning to see the dividends for all
of the hard work, with training as well as real benefits for locals and
visitors and this has helped to take this project forward. “Everyone involved is fully committed to
building a living, working landscape.” Key achievements delivered through public private
and community projects include. ·
£1.8 Million
targeted at Atlantic Oakwood management and improvement. ·
33KM of new and
upgraded paths, both for public access, & woodland management. ·
18, 500 native
trees planted and 240 ha of non native conifers removed ·
Over 700 training
days in a range of woodland & environment based courses ·
Improved
interpretation materials and new school resources The successes of the first decade was marked
with the launch of a new woodland walks booklet and 6 interpretation panels,
as well as a celebration lunch for invited guests. Further consultation will take place later this year
to help decide and prioritise future projects. For more information about the
initiative, its achievements and future plans, visit www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk |
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23/June 2009 Biomass
Development officer £27,776 plus benefits. Fixed term
for two years, extension of contract or permanency is
possible You will promote and co-ordinate the
development of Biomass markets in To be successful in this role you
should be educated to degree level or have a higher
qualification relevant to renewable energy, business
development, timber processing or forestry. You will have
experience in business development, timber processing and/or woodfuel technology. A proven track record of project
management and partnership working is highly
desirable. Benefits include a Civil Service
Pension or stakeholder pension scheme, 25 days annual leave
and flexible working options. To apply visit our website at the
address below or write to Jillian Buchan, HR
Operations, Please quote ref: HR09/43. Please note
all applications must be accompanied by a
Forestry Commission application form. No recruitment agencies please. Closing date: 13 July
2009. The Forestry Commission is committed to
providing equal opportunities for all sectors of the
community, irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital
status, religion, sexuality, transgender and working patterns. www.forestry.gov.uk/vacancies |
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1 December 2008 Mike Russell, the Minister for the Environment, issued a short consultation paper on the Climate Change Bill. He is asking for two new powers in relation to Scottish Forests which are currently impossible under the Forestry Act. a) The power to enter joint venture projects. b) The power to lease land for forestry purposes. a) Currently the FC can lease land for non-forestry purposes and has done so for several projects including windfarms. They believe that they could get better value for the taxpayer by entering joint ventures with the developers and participating in the profits (or losses?). b) The
Forestry Commission in No detailed proposals have been made yet but the minister has produced a short consultation paper. Responses must be returned by 27 January 2009. Information
to date suggests that the investors will not be allowed to cherry pick
individual forests but will be leased areas on a whole district basis. It is likely that the investors will
wish to acquire forests in high productivity areas – possibly in south
and west The
government hopes to raise £200Million - £300Million in capital
release from these leases. The
money would be spent on works to reduce It is proposed that the funds would be held by a not for profit Trust The Minister has indicated that he would favour forestry projects but this would not be guaranteed. The Minister has assured forest workers that their will be no compulsory redundancies. This is because the Investors would be required to take on the existing staff for the areas they lease. The Investors would be required to protect existing environmental, tourist and recreation facilities, probably both existing and planned, but it is difficult to see how any contract could be expected to cover all eventualities over 75 years. The details will be assessed by a FCS committee under David Henderson Howatt who will also be consulting between now and the end of January with a view to reporting by the end of February. The Minister will make his decision in the “Spring”. The Climate Change bill itself will start its passage through Parliament in December and take approximately 1 year. Responses are required by 27 January 2009. |
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