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  1.  This Estimate provides net funding for the Forestry Commission's activities in England and those functions which it carries out on a GB-wide basis. With effect from 1 April 2001, functions relating to Wales have been funded by the National Assembly for Wales. Therefore, while spending in Wales is excluded from the provisions for 2001-02 and 2002-03, it is included in the 2000-01 outturn figures. Also, from 1 December 2001, the Forestry Commission Pension Scheme was wound up and all its liabilities transferred to the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme. Therefore, there is no provision for pension payments in the 2002-03 Estimate but they are included in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 (part) figures. The 2001-02 figures also include a one-off requirement, in Annually Managed Expenditure, of £500,000,000 to cover the payment to the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme in respect of the transfer of liabilities.

  2.  The objectives of the Forestry Commission are to promote the interests of forestry, the development of afforestation including the establishment and maintenance of adequate reserves of growing trees, the production and supply of timber and other forest products, the provision of opportunities for recreation and the development of the potential of the forests it manages as a habitat for wildlife. Its activities in relation to England cover the promotion of forestry and supporting the planting, management and conservation of forests and woodlands, including the operation of the Commission's estate by its Forest Enterprise agency. The financing of its GB-wide functions cover the salary and other costs of the Commissioners and their policy and support staff, international relations, plant health and forestry research. Further information on the scale and scope of these activities can be found in the 2002 Departmental Report, (CM 5422).

  3.  Contributions from the European Union to grant for woodlands in the private sector are received through the UK Co-ordinating Body. In 2002-03 this is expected to be £5,500,000.

  4.  Symbols are explained in the Introduction to this booklet.

  Amounts required in the year ending 31 March 2003 for expenditure by the Forestry Commission on:

  RfR1:  Protecting and expanding Britain's woodlands and increasing their value to society and the environment

  Representation of British interests in international forestry policy matters; protection of British forests and trees from imported pests and diseases; forestry research; promotion and regulation of forestry activity in England through grants for new planting, replanting after felling and forest improvements, the application of forest management standards and felling controls, managing the public forest estate including planting, roading, harvesting and marketing of timber, restocking and the provision of public access and recreation; administration, recovery of VAT and associated non-cash items.

  The Forestry Commission will account for this Estimate.

  No income or receipts are expected in 2002-03. None were received in 2001-02 or 2000-01.

  The Treasury has appointed the Director General of the Forestry Commission, Mr David Bills, as Accounting Officer of the Department with responsibility for preparing the Department's Estimate.

  The responsibilities of an Accounting Officer, including responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which an Accounting Officer is answerable, for keeping proper records and for safeguarding the Department's assets, are set out in the Accounting Officer's Memorandum, issued by the Treasury and published in Government Accounting.