asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to protect archaelogical sites affected by increases in woodland plantings as a result of his recently announced proposals for the rural economy and if he will make a statement.

It will be a condition of every entry to the proposed farm woodland scheme that planting is approved by the Forestry Commission for the purposes of the existing forestry grant schemes. Under these schemes applicants are expected to clear afforestation likely to affect archaeological sites on their land with the appropriate authorities.