At the end of 1998 forest cover amounted to 620,000 hectares. The strategic plan for the sector, Growing for the Future envisages new planting of 20,000 hectares per annum in the coming years and I am satisfied that sufficient land will be available to meet the planting targets. It should be noted that there are almost one million hectares of wet mineral soils currently in use for farming which are particularly suited to forestry.
Some £500 million has been earmarked for the afforestation programme under the National Development Plan. I would also point out that discussions with the European Commission are at an advanced stage in relation to my proposals to increase the level of afforestation grants and premiums. I can confirm that the increased rates, when agreed, will benefit all planting which takes place during the current season. I am also in the process of ensuring that there will be greater compatibility between forestry and other farm supports such as REPS under the new rural development programme.