The office of the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has been allocated just under £92.6 million, up from £81.7 million this year. The biggest increase is under the heading of "marine safety, environment and shipping services", which rises 32 per cent to £10.375 million.
Estimated capital expenditure is £144 million, compared with £126 million in 1997. The biggest category of capital spending is the promotion of forestry, which is allocated £59.3 million, an increase of £25 million on 1997.
