HC Deb 19 May 2004 vol 421 c1054W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will take steps to amend Tree Preservation Order legislation so that dying and dead ancient trees are eligible for protection. [173957]

Keith Hill

Local planning authorities currently have powers to use tree preservation orders for the protection of selected trees in the interests of amenity. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans at the present time to amend the legislation for this specific purpose.