HC Deb 29 January 1930 vol 234 cc1005-6W
Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

asked the Minister of Transport if any specific instructions are given to local authorities, in planting trees along arterial roads, as to the distance these should be planted from the surface of the road itself so as to reduce to the minimum the risk of danger to traffic caused by such trees being blown down in storms?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

Local conditions vary so widely as to render it impracticable to draw up instructions which would be generally applicable, but my technical officers are always available for consultation in specific cases.

Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider recommending all public authorities to plant fruit trees on all roadsides whenever practicable?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

The choice of trees for roadside planting depends upon such widely varying condi- tions of climate, subsoil, altitude, aspect, etc., that I do not think it would be wise to issue a general recommendation of the nature suggested.

Sir G. PENNY

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the many deaths and inconvenience caused during the recent gales by the falling of trees across highways throughout the country, he will take the necessary steps to see that trees which border public roads and are in a dangerous position are removed?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I have no power to require the removal of trees on or adjoining a public highway.