§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many trees, coniferous and broadleaved, respectively, have been planted by his Department adjacent to roadways or similar facilities in each of the last five years; and if he will indicate the life expectancy of those trees, coniferous and broadleaved, respectively, by year bands.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe number of trees planted in England and Wales, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Wales, is as follows:
Thousands Coniferous Broadleaved 1979–80 125 683 1980–81 173 675 1981–82 175 730 1982–83 296 726 1983–84 257 807 Records are not kept separately for England and for Wales.
The life expectancy of conifers ranges between about 80 and 150 years, and that of broadleaved trees between about 100 and 250 years. Some trees planted beside roads act as a nurse crop to protect others which are difficult to establish and may be removed within 15–20 years.