HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1696-7
7. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his Department's policy towards the cutting down of hedgerow trees; and whether he will take steps to restrict the felling of such trees.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)

We have no powers to restrict the felling of hedgerow timber. Our advisory officers, in the course of carrying out their normal duties, give advice as appropriate to farmers on the value of hedgerows and hedgerow timber.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the policy of allowing farmers to cut down hedgerow trees without let or hindrance is causing much concern in the countryside? Might not the ruthless and over-hasty cutting down of these trees redound to the disadvantage of farmers all over the country in the long run?

Mr. Mackie

I doubt whether there is as much ruthless cutting down of hedgerow timber as the hon. Gentleman suggests. It has to be cut for enlarging fields and straightening boundaries and so on, but I do not think that the agricultural community as a whole cuts it down ruthlessly.

8. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent hedgerows and hedgerow trees prevent scorching of crops by high winds and thus aid food production.

Mr. John Mackie

This depends on the type of crop. Hedgerows and hedgerow trees are on the whole adverse to cereal production; on the other hand, they are widely used as a protection for various fruit and vegetable crops.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

I thank the hon. Gentleman for showing their use as protection. However, would he not agree that it would be a great pity if hedgerows were destroyed and if saplings and English elms were not to grow in future, and does he not agree that this cutting away might be a great disadvantage to the country?

Mr. Mackie

I repeat what I said to the hon. Gentleman earlier: I do not think that there is as much in this as he makes out. Farmers are conscious of their own interests and they will not follow this policy if they find that there is anything in what the hon. Gentleman says. Anyway, we give grants not only for taking out hedges, but for putting them back again.

Mr. Farr

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that hedgerows and trees in hedgerows provide shade and shelter for cattle and are also good natural reservoirs for wild life?

Mr. Mackie

We appreciate that.