Written question asked by David Martin (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: When he will publish draft regulations for the protection of important hedgerows. - Inc ref to copies of the draft regulations and ADAS report will be placed in the House Library as DEP/3 4041.

Answer: Mr. David Martin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish draft regulations for the protection of important hedgerows; and if he will make a statement. [41278] Mr. Gummer: The Government will issue for consultation on 21 October draft regulations for the protection of important hedgerows in England and Wales, under section 97 of the Environment Act 1995. The regulations are to be introduced jointly by the Secretary of State for the Environment, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Wales. The Government are keen, during this consultation, to hear from a wide range of people and organisations that may be affected by, or have an interest in, these proposals--before the detailed arrangements are finalised. The criteria for determining whether a hedgerow is important are based on a study undertaken by ADAS to develop a hedgerow evaluation system. The report will be published at the same time as the draft regulations. Copies of the draft regulations and ADAS report will be placed in the House Library.

Secondary information