§ 37. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what initiatives his Department is taking to encourage tree planting and the success of National Tree Week from 29 November to 7 December.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe welcome National Tree Week and fully support the Tree Council's efforts to promote the planting, care and maintenance of amenity trees throughout the country. To that end we are making the council a grant of nearly £16,000 in 1986–87. The Countryside Commission has its own grant-aid scheme and expects that nearly 2 million trees will be planted with its financial assistance this year. The Department's own planting programme by the Property Services Agency and within the royal parks will continue. We have also in hand several arboricultural research projects.