§ 76. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the cost of implementing the Government's policy of felling and destruction of trees affected by the Dutch elm disease; and whether he will make a contribution under the Plant Protection Order towards the cost now borne by councils and householders.
§ Mr. PriorThe net cost, if any, varies so widely in the light of individual circumstances that it would not be realistic to attempt an estimate. Since the disease does not affect the value of elms as timber, where they are saleable there may in fact be a net gain from felling.
The Forestry Commission has been authorised to contribute up to £250,000 towards the administrative costs of the local authorities operating the Orders and I do not accept the case for additional funds.