National Tree Week

HC Deb 05 March 1975 vol 887 cc433-4W

Mr. Sandelson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when is, and what are the objects of, National Tree Week.

Mr. Denis Howell

National Tree Week is to be held from 9th to 16th March, and it is hoped that it will become an annual event. It is sponsored by the Tree Council with the following objects:

1. To make Britain tree-conscious in town and country;

2. To encourage the planting of new trees of the right type in the right place, and discourage unnecessary felling; and

3. To foster the proper care and maintenance of trees, and take stock of the need for new planting throughout the country on a local basis.

Mr. Sandelson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what support the Government are giving to National Tree Week.

Mr. Denis Howell

The Government fully support the Tree Council's decision to organise the first National Tree Week, to sustain the interest in tree planting and care aroused by the 1973 campaign. Details of financial and other help given to the council are supplied in another answer. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will inaugurate the week by planting a tree at Chequers on 9th March. My colleagues and I also intend to undertake ceremonial tree planting during the week and hope that other hon. Members, local authorities, and other organisations and individuals will do all they can to assist in the achievement of the week's objectives.