HC Deb 21 May 1981 vol 5 cc411-2
13. Mr. Newens

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the policy of his Department towards the removal of hedges and woodland in order to achieve a high level of production in agriculture.

Mr. Wiggin

Decisions about the removal of hedges or woodland are for individual farmers and landowners. We do not grant-aid the removal of hedgerows except where it is necessary for the proper functioning of a field drainage system. The felling of woodland usually requires a licence from the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Newens

Does the Minister agree that the destruction of hedges has gone much further than is necessary for agricultural efficiency? Does he agree that under the present grant system farmers remove the hedges first and apply for grants later? Is he aware that that means that they do not receive advice unless they are in areas of special scientific interest in a national park? Does not the Minister think that it is time that we took advantage of the opportunity to make it clear that excessive removal of hedges and woodland should be deplored in the interests of preserving the amenities of our countryside?

Mr. Wiggin

That would not be the only pendulum to swing too far. I have considerable sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's view. The Department has not grant-aided the removal of hedges since 1976. There is good evidence that the rate of removal has slowed to almost to nil.

Mr. Lyell

Does not my hon. Friend agree that if there is a sensible discussion, such as that being promoted by the Wildlife and Countryside [Lords] Bill, there will be a community of interest between conservationists and farmers, which my hon. Friend's Department can do much to promote?

Mr. Wiggin

I agree with my hon. and learned Friend. Antagonism between the two interests, which are inevitably separate, makes matters much worse. My Department does everything to seek proper discussions between the agricultural and countryside interests.

Mr. Stephen Ross

Is the Minister aware that clause 34 of the Wildlife and Countryside [Lords] Bill, now in Committee, is of significance in respect of this question? Will he assure us that he will discuss that clause with the Minister responsible at the Department of the Environment to find out what can be done to help?

Mr. Wiggin

I keep in close contact with my colleagues at the Department of the Environment about this matter.

Mr. Leighton

Is the Minister aware that there is much feeling, among those concerned with the beauty of the English countryside, about the removal of hedges which converts vast areas of land into areas resembling prairies? Will he comment on the fact that last year more trees were destroyed by the removal of hedgerows—often with grants from his Department—than were destroyed by Dutch elm disease?

Mr. Wiggin

I cannot accept that point. There has been no grant aid for the removal of hedges since 1976, except in association with drainage schemes. Few hedges are removed as a result of that. I agree with the general tone of hon. Members' questions. My Department is doing everything possible to ensure that our advisory services, leaflets and work for the countryside groups promote the interests of both those quite disparate views.