§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the code of practice being prepared by his Department on cabling will be completed. [15761]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe national joint utilities group in producing guidelines to encourage operators of underground services to adopt practices which minimise damage to trees. They will be published shortly.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if a report or survey will be produced on the damage to tree roots that has resulted from cabling. [15762]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordNo. However, the national joint utilities group will shortly publish guidelines to help minimise damage to tree roots by operators of underground services. The guidelines will be reviewed six months after their implementation.