HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 c624W
50. Mr. Flannery

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans Her Majesty's Government have to replace the trees lost in the gale of 15 and 16 October with trees of similar character appropriate to the local environment.

Mr. Moynihan

My right hon. Friend announced on October 21 special help for the replacement of amenity trees lost in the storm. The Countryside Commission has set up a special unit, Task Force Trees, to pay grants for this purpose and provide advice. Preliminary grant allocations to local authorities were announced on November 24. The commission's aim is to bring about, not only reinstatement, but where possible improvement, with preference given to native hardwood species.