§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many miles of hedgerow were removed during 1975 and in the first quarter of 1976.
§ Mr. StrangNo complete records are available in respect of the removal of hedges. Such information as is available to me indicates that the decline in the rate of hedge removal is continuing.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, as a result of dry weather, he will offer advice to farmers in areas of below average rainfall either not to uproot hedges or to ensure that shelter planting is carried out.
§ Mr. StrangI realise that the dry weather is causing many problems but do not consider it necessary to offer special advice to farmers on the uprooting of hedges and shelter planting as a result of this.
A recent ADAS survey has shown that fewer hedgerows are now being removed on agricultural land.
Advice on shelter planting is part of the normal advisory services of ADAS.