§ Mr. A. Cecil WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on hedgerow preservation in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government are encouraging hedgerow improvement through financial incentive schemes operated by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Environment. Both Departments provide advice on hedgerow management.
§ Mr. A. Cecil WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the hedgerow incentive scheme applies to Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe hedgerow incentive scheme is operated by the Countryside Commission and applies only in England. In Northern Ireland the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Environment have schemes which provide financial incentives for hedgerow improvement and both Departments provide advice on hedgerow management.