§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the use of tree preservation orders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe purpose of tree preservation orders is to ensure the protection of trees in the interests of amenity. I hope that local planning authorities, who make such orders, will continue to do so in appropriate cases. However, I am aware that recent compensation claims have caused some concern, and that an appeal against a decision of the Lands Tribunal is currently before the Court of Appeal. Once the outcome of that appeal is known we shall be considering the position as necessary.