HC Deb 28 October 1998 vol 318 cc164-5W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has reached a conclusion on the most appropriate method of enabling local planning authorities to control the impact of Leylandii and other fast growing conifers. [56417]

Mr. Meale

We are continuing to consider carefully whether Government intervention in relation to problems caused by these plants is necessary. We will announce our conclusions in due course.

We are separately, with the support of the horticultural industry, local government and consumer interests, drawing up a voluntary code of good practice on the sale, use and maintenance of such plants for domestic hedges. It will include guidance to garden centres, nurseries and other outlets on how to give purchasers practical information about their growth potential and the work needed to maintain them. The provision of better advice and information to consumers under this code should help to ensure that we do not store up more problems for the future.