§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to issue guidance to local authorities with regard to a hedgerow evaluation system against which the most important hedges could be evaluated and retained under the Environment Act 1995; and if he will make a statement on how he proposes local authorities fund the administration of such hedgerow schemes. [5029]
§ Mr. ClappisonBefore introducing a scheme for the protection of important hedgerows under the Environment Act 1995, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is required to consult all interested bodies, including those representing local authorities, on the detailed arrangements. As part of that exercise, we shall consult on the criteria to be used by local authorities in order to identify those important hedgerows which should be retained on the grounds of their historical importance or their values to the wildlife or landscape of an area; and on a system for evaluating hedges against these criteria. Before reaching decisions on the overall level of the local government finance settlement for 1996–97, the Secretary of State has taken into consideration any new financial burdens on local authorities, as well as potential efficiency savings.