§ 52. Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to assist farmers and landowners to retain on their lands at least a proportion of the hedgerows and trees which formerly existed, in view of the tendency to denude large areas of land in some parts of the country in the interests of modern farming methods.
§ Mr. John MackieWe are ready to give advice, but it is for individual farmers to decide whether hedgerows and trees are an advantage or disadvantage to them in the conduct of their farming businesses. I am aware of the amenity value of trees and hedgerows, but I am not aware that large areas of land are being denuded.
§ 53. Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being done to ascertain the extent to which the removal of hedges and ditches contributes to soil erosion.
§ Mr. John MackieWe already have a substantial amount of information on this subject, and farmers in areas liable to wind erosion or "blowing" would 273W do well to consult the Agricultural Land Service before deciding to remove a hedge. Various aspects of soil wastage on fen peats are being studied at the Arthur Rickwood Experimental Husbandry Farm; the effects of shelter are already under consideration and further experimental work will be done if necessary.