§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek further powers to control the destruction of trees, with particular relation to building houses close to woodlands.
§ Mr. Graham PageMy right hon. and learned Friend is consulting the local authority associations about possible ways of strengthening present powers to preserve trees. But the full implications of building houses close to trees and woodlands should be taken into account by the local planning authority when considering planning applications.