HC Deb 25 July 1966 vol 732 cc1188-9
15. Dr. Gray

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what progress he has made in his review of tree preservation orders; and by how much he proposes to increase penalties for the felling of trees so protected.

Mr. Skeffington

The review to which my hon. Friend refers has indicated some changes in tree preservation and felling licensing procedures which my right hon. Friend is on the point of introducing after consultation with the interests concerned. Other changes, which would require legislation, are being considered as part of the general proposals for the countryside announced in Cmnd. 2928.

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the increased penalties proposed in the Civic Amenities Bill introduced by the right hon. Member for Streatham which received its Second Reading on 8th July and with which the Government indicated broad agreement. The Bill also provides for some amendment of the tree preservation provisions of the Planning Acts.

Dr. Gray

Will my hon. Friend consider trying to persuade his colleagues to find Government time very soon for the Civic Amenities Bill introduced by the right hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys)? As he knows, it contains the provision that penalties for felling protected trees should be increased to £250 or the value of the tree, whichever is the higher. I consider that the action is—

Hon., Members

Speech.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member cannot make a Second Reading speech on this Question.

Mr. Skeffington

I have indicated the Government's broad agreement with most of the proposals in the Bill, but I am afraid that it does not fall to me to allocate time for it.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, important though amenity considerations are, trees are a crop and that there should be some limit to these preservation orders?

Mr. Skeffington

This is a point which is, obviously, borne in mind in all our discussions with the Forestry Commission. But we hope that, with the Measure to which I have referred and other proposals which my hon. Friend has in mind, it should be possible to harmonise both these important aspects of trees.