§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of trees planted by the Highways Agency(a) are red-leaved and (b) have leaves which turn red in the Autumn; and what plans he has to increase that percentage. [4313]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highway Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mrs. Theresa May, dated 20 June 1997:
The Deputy Prime Minister has asked me to reply to your recent question asking what percentage of trees planted by the Highways Agency are red-leaved or have leaves which turn red in the Autumn; and what plans he has to increase that percentage.332WUnfortunately it is not possible to quantify this information. Most trees planted by the Highways Agency are native deciduous and although there are no red-leaved native trees, those such as the Wayfaring Tree can give a dense red colour in the Autumn. In general Autumn colour varies with species, soil and weather, and adds interest to tree planting's important role of helping to fit roads into their surroundings. There are no plans to change the current practice.