HC Deb 20 April 1964 vol 693 c863
32. Wing Commander Bullus

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he proposes to replant the plane trees in Trafalgar Square.

Mr. Rippon

On the advice of my Advisory Committee on Forestry, I have decided that the existing unhealthy trees need not be felled until the autumn and should then be replaced with semi-mature plane trees. The Civic Trust has successfully developed a new technique for transplanting semi-mature trees and I have gratefully accepted the Trust's offer to advise me on the replanting in the Square.

Wing Commander Bullus

In thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to give an assurance that the present character of the Square will be retained? Can he also say what will be the height of the new trees?

Mr. Rippon

My Advisory Committee on Forestry will advise on the siting. The trees which we have ordered are all about 15 years old and about 19 ft. high.