HC Deb 15 March 1973 vol 852 cc432-3W
Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how an individual may set about applying for a grant towards expenditure incurred on tree planting under the Countryside Act 1968; and to whom such application should be made.

Mr. Graham Page

Individuals proposing planting schemes on their land are recommended in the first instance to discuss them with their local planning authority who may be willing to include them in an application for grant under Section 34 of the Countryside Act 1968. In certain circumstances the Countryside Commission will also be prepared to consider direct applications from individuals for grant under Section 5 of the Act. Further information about the procedure for applications is given in the commission's recent booklet, "Trees in the Landscape: Countryside Grants", copies of which I am arranging to have placed in the Library.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many trees have so far been planted in the North West area in the Plant a Tree campaign; and what steps he is taking further to encourage this in industrial areas.

Mr. Graham Page

An encouraging amount of planting has been taking place in the North West so far this year, and more extensive planting is expected in the autumn. My Department is encouraging this nationally by example, by publicity and by grant aid in the circumstances I stated in my reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Handsworth (Mr. Sydney Chapman) on 7th February, some of which are particularly applicable to inddustrial areas. [Vol. 850, c.111–12.] But it is for local people to take the initiative in planting and stimulating interest further at local level. No comprehensive figures of planting are available.