HC Deb 19 November 1990 vol 181 cc43-4W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure the protection of orchards containing rare varieties of apples; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Currently we are engaged in a wide-ranging review of tree preservation policies and legislation. A consultation exercise will be launched shortly, providing an opportunity for comments on this and other issues to be considered in that broader context. In addition, I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food continues to fund the national fruit collection at Brogdale which contains some 2,300 varieties of apple.