§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether he is satisfied that the compensation payable to farmers for the destruction of trees ordered by the public health inspector on grounds that they may be diseased is adequate ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WilleyNo compensation is paid for the value of diseased trees which have to be destroyed and the cost of destruction of infected trees on farms is normally borne by the owners.
I understand that in cases of hardship to small owners of willow trees with no commercial interest, the county council concerned may pay grant towards the cost of destruction. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food similarly assists where fire blight affects trees in private 67W gardens. As a general principle, however, I am satisfied that the cost of removing a source of infection amongst trees is properly borne by the owner or occupier concerned.