HC Deb 14 May 1985 vol 79 cc81-2W
Dr. David Clark

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the extent of hedgerow and tree damage in Worcestershire from straw burning in 1983 and 1984, respectively.

Mrs. Fenner

My Department does not keep detailed statistics of damage to hedgerows and trees, but I understand that there was a general improvement in burning practices in that county in 1984.

Dr. David Clark

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to regulate the practice of straw burning in 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Fenner

The Government will again be drawing the attention of the farming community to the need to observe relevant local byelaws and to adopt good standards of practice in line with the policy adopted for the 1984 harvest, which generated a substantially lower volume of complaints than in 1983.