HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 cc991-2
27. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how many Tree Preservation Orders he has confirmed; and how many acres of woodland have been affected.

The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Dalton)

Since 1943 my predecessors and I have confirmed 401 such Orders, covering nearly 20,000 acres.

Mr. Vane

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that that is an exaggeration of the intention of Parliament? Does he think it right that his Department should assume control over British woodlands to a far greater extent, and in far greater detail, than the proper authority, the Forestry Commission, has done? Will he look into it again, particularly in view of the fact that in some counties, notably Pembrokeshire, there were 300 such orders served on various owners of woodlands only last week?

Mr. Dalton

I think it is a very useful function that has been performed by my predecessors and myself in this matter. We are enabled to preserve amenity woods from the slaughterers. I am very glad to say that since I have been in my present office, following the lines of my two predecessors, one of whom was from the party opposite, we have sought to protect amenity woods from being slaughtered by timber merchants.

Colonel Clarke

Is there any period at which these Orders are reconsidered because trees, like men, do not live for ever and a wood of dying trees is a very sad sight?

Mr. Dalton

That is exactly the point I have been impressing on my advisers since I have held my present office. My broad policy has been to prevent clear felling in amenity woodlands and to encourage selective felling with replanting where desirable, and also natural regeneration.

Mr. Nabarro

Will the Minister undertake to protect amenity woodlands of Western Worcestershire from the slaughter merchants of the Ministry of Fuel and Power?

Mr. Speaker

That is another Question.

Mr. Vane

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the fact that the protection of amenity woodlands, with which nobody disagrees, does not extend to the confirmation of "blanket orders," as I believe his Department calls them, which some local authorities continue to issue? Does he realise that if he does that, he will not be protecting woodlands at all but discouraging their proper management and replanting?

Mr. Dalton

It is open to any person concerned to appeal to me against the local authority decision. A number of such appeals has been made and I always consider them in, I hope, a judicial spirit.