HC Deb 16 December 1991 vol 201 cc68-9W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial assistance is available to help landowners retain hedgerows in situ.

Mr. Baldry

[holding answer 13 December 1991]: In England assistance is available towards the cost of hedgerow management under grant schemes for wider purposes administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Countryside Commission and English Nature.

In July I announced our intention to provide new incentives to promote improved care of hedgerows in ways which are environmentally beneficial. At present we are discussing the terms of the proposed scheme with the Countryside Commission and others, and will make a further statement in the new year.