§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions in each of the last five years breaches of tree felling licences have been brought to the notice of the Forestry Commission; and what enforcement or remedial action has resulted. [113034]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Forestry Commission has investigated 13 breaches of felling licences in the last five years, as set out in the table.
Year ending 31 March 1996 1997 1998 1999 20001 Number of breaches 5 3 2 1 2 Successful prosecution and restocking notice 1 1 — — — Successful prosecution only — 1 — — — Unsuccessful prosecution 1 — — — — Warning letter sent 2 1 1 — 2 Advice given or no further action 1 — 1 1 — 1 Year to date
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what tree felling licences have been granted in respect of Avon Heath Country Park; how many trees are affected; how many trees have been felled; and how many have been felled in breach of the licence; [113033]
(2) what action the Forestry Commission is taking in response to reports that the RSPB is in breach of a tree felling licence granted in respect of Avon Heath Country Park in Dorset; and if he will make a statement. [113035]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Forestry Commission has granted one felling licence in respect of Avon Health Country Park. This allows the owner to fell 86,000 trees by selectively felling and thinning 78 hectares of woodland. The Commission is currently investigating reports that the RSPB has felled trees which were not included in the licence.