§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further consideration he has given to providing financial aid via local authorities to individuals faced with the cost of felling dead elm trees on their property and who have a restricted or retirement income.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe felling of dead trees is in general the responsibility of the owner. However, I have recently received a report from the Tree Council which recommends that the Government should pay the cost of any additional labour required to secure the felling of dangerous elms, and we shall be considering this recommendation and other possibilities in the light of existing financial constraints and other relevant factors.