§ Mr. ArbuthnotTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the review of tree preservation policies and legislation.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryOn 2 October we published a report by Mr. James Batho commissioned by us as part of that review. I have arranged for copies of the report to be placed in the Library of the House, together with my statement which accompanied its issue.
The Government accept that the tree preservation order system should be maintained in broadly its present form. We plan to issue a consultation paper later this year with detailed proposals to clarify and streamline current procedures, aimed at enhancing their general effectiveness. We also welcome the report's recommendation that local authorities should have a new power to make hedgerow management orders to protect important hedgerows in their areas, with payments to owners to assist upkeep. Further details will be given in the forthcoming consultation paper.