§ Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his long-term policy for amenity tree planting and urban afforestation with both public and private involvement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinMy right hon. Friend is keen to encourage a continuing interest in tree planting in both urban and rural areas, following the successful Tree Planting Year campaign. The newly formed Tree Council, on which a wide range of organisations, including local authority, landowner and amenity bodies, is represented will, I am sure, have a significant part to play. The Department will assist the council with a grant of £5,000 for 1974–75 and will itself continue in its own actions to encourage tree planting as appropriate.