§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will make part of his funds for National Tree Planting Year, 1973 available for planting trees on railway embankments and other sites adjoining railway tracks;
(2) whether he will give a general direction to British Rail to start a tree and shrub planting programme on urban railway embankments and other land adjoining railway tracks in conurbations as part of Tree Planting Year, 1973.
§ Mr. Graham PageTree planting by or on behalf or local authorities on land in British Rail or other ownership is already eligible for Exchequer grant in certain circumstances. The Chairman of the British Railways Board has expressed the board's support for the aims of Tree Planting Year and the board's intention to co-operate so far as operational and financial restraints permit. The question of a direction does not arise.