§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what sanctions can be taken against cable operators who fail to adhere to the proposed guidelines designed to minimise damage to tree roots; and what body is to be responsible for administering such sanctions.
§ Mr. Ian TaylorThe guidelines on minimising damage to street trees now agreed by the national joint utilities group, the arboricultural industry and the Cable Communications Association, are voluntary. Like other operators of underground services, the cable industry is committed to ensuring that its contractors follow best practice, including the need to hand-dig around the roots of trees. The effectiveness of the guidelines will be reviewed after they have been in operation for six months. We welcome the increased efforts of the Cable Communications Association to meet public concerns about safety of trees.