§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures his Department has taken to protect hedgerows; and if he will make a statement. [13682]
§ Angela EagleRegulations for the protection of important hedgerows in England and Wales came into force on 1 June 1997. They control the removal of such hedgerows through a system of prior notification to the local planning authority. Although an important first step, we have instigated a review to consider how the regulations might be strengthened so that they give better protection for hedgerows. The review is being undertaken by a group which includes the statutory agencies, local authorities and the main farming and conservation bodies. It has been asked to report its recommendations by the end of December 1997.
Expenditure planned for Latest estimate of total of cost (£) Expenditure incurred to date (£) 1997–98 (£) 1998–1999 (£) 1999–2000 (£) DETR (a) 3 million 0.2 million 1 million 1.5 million 0.5 million Executive agencies1 15.5 million 0.095 million 2.2 million 13.3 million Other public bodies (b) 375 thousand 25 thousand 70 thousand 210 thousand 95 thousand 1For Highways Agency (HA) the Latest Estimate of Total Cost is £15 million, mainly the cost of traffic control systems and the like. HA has not been able to break down Expenditure Planned between 1998–1999 and 1999–2000.
Figures are currently not available for:
(a) Government Offices (GOs).
(b) London Transport (LT). The Chairman of LT has been asked to write to you on this matter.
London Regional Passengers Committee (LRPC)
Northern Lighthouse Board (Scotland and IOM).
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the action plan, due by 1 October 1997, for resolving the computer millennium problem in his Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible; if such was fully completed on time; and if he will make a statement. [13557]
§ Angela EagleThe costed action plans will be analysed by the central IT unit (CITU) and the CCTA and the conclusions reported to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who will then inform Parliament.
150W
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to take steps to bring the height of hedges under planning law; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the height of hedges. [13945]
§ Angela EagleWe have no plans to bring the height of hedges under planning law, but are considering whether there could be a case for some form of Government intervention in what, in general, are disputes between neighbours.