§ 64. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he 262W Commonwealth Affairs what the amount of British official aid provided as interest-free loans and interest-bearing loans was, respectively, in 1971 and 1971–72; what average interest rate was charged; and to which countries interest-bearing loans were provided.
§ Mr. WoodFollowing is the and information:
intends to issue to local authorities in South Wales about the replacing of trees that have had to be felled due to Dutch elm disease.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I propose to issue shortly a circular relating to arrangements for Tree Planting Year 1973. Its purpose will be to encourage new planting by local authorities and others in all parts of the country, including those affected by Dutch elm disease.
§ 65. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the efforts being made in South Wales to combat Dutch elm disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI am satisfied that the local authorilties concerned are fully alive to the problem of elm disease, and that the measures which have been announced are helping to control the spread of infection.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how much additional financial and other Government support local authorities in South Wales are now to receive in their campaign to combat Dutch elm disease.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe eligible local authorities in Wales have received from the Forestry Commission an initial payment totalling £4,500 towards the extra 263W administrative expenses incurred in exercising their powers of inspection and control of the disease. A further payment will be made later based on claims which will be submitted by the authorities concerned.
The commission's advice and training facilities, as well as the results of its research on the disease, are continuously available to all local authorities.