HC Deb 29 November 1968 vol 774 cc210-1W
Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to improve the growth of the young elms planted alongside the old avenue of elms and planes to the south of Rotten Row.

Mr. Mellish

The new young elms are being deprived of light by the large old trees and as a result their growth is being stunted. To remedy this and also to correct a tendency for them to lean outwards, I have decided on the advice of my Advisory Committee on Forestry to remove each alternate tree in what remains of the old avenue, where the trees are in any case approaching the end of their life.

Because of the public interest in this matter I am arranging for members of my Advisory Committee to meet representatives of the Press, to explain and demonstrate my proposals on the spot.