§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances Network Rail carries out routine tree felling; and if he will make a statement. [123845]
§ Mr. McNultyThis is an operational matter for Network Rail. However, as my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State stated in responding to the adjournment debate of 3 June 2003 called by my hon. Friend, Network Rail's first priority is to operate a safe, reliable railway. Tree clearance plays an important part in achieving that objective and in addressing the significant impact upon train performance arising from leaf fall in the autumn. Network Rail must strike a balance between providing a safe, efficient, reliable and affordable rail network and meeting environmental and community concerns.