asked the Minister of Works how many trees have been removed in Hyde Park as a result of road alterations; how many replacements have been planted; and what steps he has taken to ensure that existing trees are not affected by concrete dust or suffer other adverse effects as a result of the road work.

In the last three years road alterations have caused the loss of 84 trees and natural causes were responsible for a further 33. Replacements in this period have totalled 221 and a further 90 plantings are planned for this year. The contractors are required to take precautions to my satisfaction to prevent damage to trees and these arrangements will be rigidly enforced.