§ 52. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the loss of elm trees from the countryside, he will give greater protection to our remaining hardwoods; and, in particular, if he will amend the present licensing laws whereby up to 825 cubic feet of timber may be felled each quarter without prior consent.
§ Mr. StrangThe importance of hardwoods in the rural environment is fully appreciated, as was made clear in the556W statement on forestry policy made to this House on 5th July 1974.—[Vol. 876, c. 288–90.] My right hon. Friends are considering whether any changes in the statutory provisions are desirable to maintain and improve tree cover in the countryside.