Chamber and committees

The Scottish Soil Framework is currently in the final stages of drafting and will be released as soon as possible.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19546 on 20 January 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Our latest estimates suggest that peatlands in Scotland contain approximately 1,620 MtC (58%) of Scotland''s total soil carbon, which is approximately 2,800 MtC. (These figures are approximate due to limitations in the currently available data).

Woodland has the ability to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, converting some of it to wood. The maximum potential carbon stock held in the biomass or woody element of mature woodland in this country is estimated to be around 250 tonnes of carbon per hectare after about 80 years. Less carbon is sequestered if woodland is managed on shorter rotations.

Our current aim is for 10,000 hectares of woodland creation per year. This would result in an additional 50,000 hectares of woodland by 2014, 100,000 hectares by 2019 and 150,000 by 2024.

If a decision is taken, following the consultation, that leasing of forest land and cutting rights should take place, the additional capital received will depend upon such factors as the terms of the lease, costs associated with leasing, and the lessee''s expectations of future market conditions. Subject to these factors, it could be in the range £150 to 200 million. The timing of payments will depend upon securing legal powers to allow leasing, the time taken to prepare and agree any leases and decisions about whether or not to receive payment in instalments. No receipts are expected before 2010-11.

In principle, restoration and re-instatement of peatlands may be ultimately beneficial in terms of carbon sequestration. However, uncertainty exists on the time taken for such sites to change from initial sources of methane, to become sinks of carbon dioxide. Given this uncertainty we will be seeking further evidence to allow us and our stakeholders to develop the best approach to this issue.

Support for measures benefitting rare and/or endangered species and in particular for conservation actions relating to the 32 species listed for priority action in the Species Action Framework for Scotland is one of the recognised priorities in the regional assessments of Rural Priorities for rural development contracts. Regions are also able to identify and prioritise actions relating to those species of particular importance to their region. To date, the regional priority theme Viable populations of rare and/or endangered species has supported 32 cases for funding with total funding of £1,241,826.17 and funding of £1,597,749 has been approved for corncrake options.

It is anticipated that a consultation paper on proposals to require livery yards to be licensed will be issued in the autumn.

We anticipate that we shall issue a consultation paper on proposals for regulations to replace the Pet Animals Act 1951 towards the end of the year.