asked the Minister for Energy the plans he has to encourage greater planting of broadleaf species.
Written Answers. - Greater Planting of Broadleaf Species.
38.
Special incentives of up to £850 per hectare and a free technical advisory service are available at present to encourage the planting of broadleaves. The cash incentives are up to £300 per hectare more than those for conifers.
My Department's policy is to encourage the increased planting of broadleaf species over the coming years and this is reflected in an operational programme for forestry covering the period 1989-93. A substantial increase in the grants for broadleaves is proposed in the operational programme and this is being negotiated at present with the European Commission.