§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he is taking to ensure that ancient semi-natural woodlands, listed in the inventories compiled by the Nature Conservancy Council, are not destroyed by development.
§ Mr. WaldegraveProtection of those woodlands against development is mainly provided through the development control and tree preservation order systems operated by local authorities, and by the felling licence system operated by the Forestry Commission. Some also have further protection under the site of special scientific interest procedures. I understand that the Nature Conservancy Council expects to complete the inventories for England and Wales within three years, and that the council is considering proposals for the long-term protection and management of the listed woodlands in conjunction with the Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission's "Broadleaves in Britain" May 1984 consultative paper contained proposals concerning protection and management of these woodlands, and these are being considered.