§ 37. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take on the report he has received from the Tree Council which recommends that the Government should pay the cost of any additional labour required to secure the felling of dangerous elms.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Guy Barnett)My right hon. Friends are considering in the light of existing financial constraints and other relevant factors both this recommendation and the others made in the Tree Council's report.
§ Mr. SmithWill the hon. Gentleman agree—and here he can make a very good start in his new office—that elderly people and people on fixed incomes who have dead elms on their property need financial help? Sums of £50 to £100 for felling the trees have sometimes been quoted.
§ Mr. BarnettYes, I do agree. The matter is being considered within my Department.