§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about his Department's proposals to introduce grants for hedgerow maintenance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryFollowing announcement of our proposals in July, the Department has received comments from a range of interested parties, including local authorities, landowning and farming bodies, and environmental groups. Our intention to provide new incentives for hedgerow management has been broadly welcomed and we are discussing with the Countryside Commission and others the detailed scope and terms of the proposed scheme. We shall be making a further statement in due course.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to introduce grants for hedgerow maintenance.
§ Mr. BaldryWe hope to make our proposed new incentives for hedgerow management available next year.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his answer of 11 November,Official Report, column 395–96, when his discussions with the Countryside Commission and others on the proposed incentive scheme will be completed; and when the proposals will be implemented.
§ Mr. BaldryOur discussions on a scheme to provide new incentives for hedgerow management are making good progress, and we shall make a further statement as soon as possible. We plan to establish the proposed scheme in the coming year.