§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the Forestry Commission is seeking a licence to fell trees on land at the rear of The Gables, West Moors Road, Ferndown. [68000]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 8 July 2002]: The Forestry Commission does not apply for felling licences, it issues them. In this particular case, the Commission received an application for a licence to fell trees with an aim to improve the management of the woodland area. The trees were subject to a tree preservation order, so the Commission consulted East Dorset district council who then raised an objection to the proposed felling. The application now therefore falls to be determined by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister under the terms of the tree preservation order. A hearing to consider the application is scheduled to take place on 23 July.