§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what grants or assistance are available from his Department or local authorities to individuals or organisations to encourage them to plant amenity trees in their neighbourhoods.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Department of the Environment may provide assistance for tree planting as part of conservation schemes in outstanding conservation areas on the recommendation of the appropriate Historic Building Council. Assistance may also be available from the Countryside Commission to landowners and occupiers for amenity planting in a country park or picnic site or elsewhere in the countryside and from the Nature392W Conservancy Council for planting connected with a nature reserve. A number of local authorities, in appropriate cases, provide funds, give trees or undertake planting, but complete information is not available.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the action he is taking to encourage the British people, in both town and country areas, to become more conscious of the need to plant more trees and to protect those already planted; and whether he is satisfied with the response that is being obtained.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend is providing financial and other assistance to the Tree Council to encourage the efforts of the national organisations concerned with the promotion of tree planting and care. The council is sponsoring National Tree Week beginning 9th March, which we hope all hon. Members will support. While the response to the 1973 campaign was gratifying, there is still a great need to plant more trees in this country, and sustained efforts by public and private organisations and by the general public are called for.