§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken by the Forestry Commission to ensure that trees felled at Avon Heath Country Park in breach of a felling licence are replanted. [147824]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Forestry Commission could have used its statutory powers to impose a restocking notice, but decided that this would not be in the public interest as the area is part of a heathland restoration project. Avon Heath Country Park is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, and this heathland restoration work is an important part of the Government's Biodiversity Action Plan. Nevertheless, I understand that RSPB has decided, after consultation with local people, to plant some replacement trees in other parts of the park.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outcome of the prosecution by the Forestry Commission of those responsible for breaches of felling licences at Avon Forest Country Park, and the implications of the case for policy on the protection of trees for amenity reasons. [147823]
§ Mr. MorleyOn 16 November 2000 in Poole magistrates court, an RSPB employee pleaded guilty to felling growing trees on land at Avon Heath Country Park between 1 July 1999 and 31 January 2000 without the authority of a felling licence. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.
The case has no implications for our policy on controlling the felling of trees. The Forestry Commission will continue to investigate all suspected breaches of the tree felling regulations and will prosecute when it is clear that an offence has been committed.