HC Deb 18 January 1949 vol 460 cc4-5
8. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in view of the fact that 250 cubic feet of timber, involving as many as eight trees, can be felled without licence, that much of the countryside is being denuded of woodlands as a result and that local authorities are slow to use their powers by making Tree Preservation Orders, he will extend the licence system and circularise to local authorities an instruction to use existing powers in this connection more fully.

Mr. King

My right hon. Friend is not aware that the arrangements are having the results suggested but he will be glad to consider any evidence that my hon. Friend may care to bring forward. A circular has already been prepared and will shortly be issued to local authorities which, amongst other things, advises them to take effective action to protect amenity trees and woodlands.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will my hon. Friend look particularly at the position in Bedfordshire where the County Council is setting an excellent example in preserving trees throughout the county? Will he commend that example to other local authorities so that, if possible, they may copy it?

Mr. King

That, in effect, is what the circular does.

Colonel Dower

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if a licence has to be obtained in nearly every case where a small amount of timber is to be felled, there will be a very great deal of hardship and delay and a greatly increased staff will be needed to deal with it?

Mr. King

The sense of my reply is in accordance with what the hon. and gallant Member says.

Mr. Vane

Will the hon. Gentleman issue instructions to local authorities to ensure that these powers are not abused by over-enthusiastic local authorities to interfere with the proper management of commercial woodlands?

Mr. King

The hon. Member had better await the circular.