HC Deb 27 October 1949 vol 468 cc1499-500
21. Mr. Bossom

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his Department takes action to ensure that timber merchants and fellers leave woodlands in a satisfactory condition after the conclusion of operations under a tree felling licence.

Mr. H. Wilson

The extent to which clearance of debris takes place after felling is entirely a matter between the seller and the buyer of standing timber.

22. Mr. Bossom

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action his Department takes after issuing a tree felling licence to ensure against the indiscriminate destruction of adjacent trees not included in the licence.

Mr. H. Wilson

The Control of Growing Trees and Home Grown Round Timber in the Log (No. 1) Order, 1944, prohibits the felling of home-grown timber without a licence, and its provisions are well known to the trade. A felling licence indicates clearly what trees may be felled and if trees are felled which are not covered by a licence the feller concerned is liable to prosecution. If there is damage short of felling the matter is not for my Department, being one between the owner of the land and the timber merchant.

Mr. Bossom

Is any action being taken by anybody; and whose responsibility is it to see that other trees are not felled in this way?

Mr. Wilson

If they are felled it is an offence, and renders the person concerned liable to prosecution. Where we have had evidence of reckless damage and of debris being left we have made representations to the person concerned to get it cleared, though we have no power to force him to do it.

Mr. Vane

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether in future Questions about forestry should be addressed to him; and whether he is taking over responsibility for the Minister of Agriculture?

Mr. Wilson

No, Sir, but the powers under this particular Order are exercised by the Board of Trade.

Mr. Keeling

Why?

Mr. Bossom

Would the right hon. Gentleman look into the situation in Kent, where both of these rather unfortunate conditions prevail?

Mr. Wilson

I have looked into that. I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to conditions at Boxley Warren.