§ Mr. Proctorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that prior to the Forestry Commission granting a licence to fell trees, the commission will advertise the details of the application in local newspapers and receive representations.
§ Mrs. FennerIn considering an application to fell trees, the Forestry Commission consults as appropriate with the local authority and other statutory authorities about any likely effects on amenity, nature conservation, public access and recreation. Local authorities are free to take whatever soundings of public opinion in their areas they consider necessary and we are satisfied that this allows the views of all interested parties to be taken into account before a decision is made. We have no plans to change this well-tried procedure.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he believes there are adequate safeguards before trees are felled in rural and suburban areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have given to his previous question. Besides the felling controls exercised by the Forestry Commission, Local authorities are empowered to make tree preservation orders to safeguard trees of amenity value.