§ 77. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what estimates he has made of the number of trees in Wales affected by Dutch elm disease since the present outbreak began and of the number of new trees planted to replace those that have been lost;
(2) if he is satisfied with the progress being made in Wales to combat Dutch elm disease; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will authorise financial assistance to compensate owners who have to bear the cost of felling trees that have been affected by Dutch elm disease.
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§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I are studying a report we have recently received from the Forestry Commission. We are urgently reviewing the situation in the light of this report and we will make an announcement, which I cannot in any way anticipate, as soon as possible.
Information about the replacement of trees is not available. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I issued a circular to local authorities on 6th October relating to arrangements for Tree Planting Year, 1973. Its purpose is to encourage new planting by local authorities and others in all parts of the country, including those affected by Dutch elm disease.