§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has considered the effect of hedgerow and stonedyke systems upon the conservation of wildlife and management of the countryside; if he will consider the introduction of statutory controls over the removal of such systems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Department has commissioned a research project on hedgerow management—including environmental and wildlife aspects. We shall receive the final report shortly.
In our White Paper "This Common Inheritance" we announced our intention to give local planning authorities powers to protect important hedgerows in their areas. A consultation paper issued in December gave further details. Responses to that paper have raised a number of key issues, and we are giving these careful consideration. It would therefore be premature to legislate, and we have tabled an amendment to the Planning and Compensation Bill to delete provision for such orders from that Bill. I shall be making a full statement on this matter at the resumption of Report stage. Our aim is to ensure that any scheme commands the widest possible agreement and will be fair and practicable.