§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will increase the powers of local authorities to protect hedgerows of high amenity or wildlife value.
§ Mr. BaldryIn our White Paper "This Common Inheritance" we announced our intention to give local planning authorities powers to protect important hedgerows in their areas. A consultation paper issued in December gave further details. Responses to that paper194W have raised a number of key issues, and we are giving these careful consideration. It would therefore be premature to take action on this matter in the present Planning and Compensation Bill. My aim is to ensure that any scheme commands the widest possible agreement and will be fair and practicable.