HL Deb 17 October 1996 vol 574 cc233-4WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will publish draft, regulations for the protection of important hedgerows.

Lord Lucas

The Government will issue for consultation on 21st October draft regulations for the protection of important hedgerows in England and Wales, under Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995. The regulations are to be introduced jointly by the Secretary of State for the Environment, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Wales.

The Government are keen, during this consultation, to hear from a wide range of people and organizations who may be affected by, or have an interest in, these proposals, before the detailed arrangements are finalised.

The criteria for determining whether a hedgerow is important are based on a study undertaken by ADAS to develop a hedgerow evaluation system. The report will be published at the same time as the draft regulations.

Copies of the draft regulations and the ADAS report will be placed in the House Library.