asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take during the forthcoming year to encourage the planting of trees.

My Department will continue within existing financial constraints to encourage the planting of trees directly by example, by publicity and in certain circumstances by financial assistance, and indirectly through the Countryside Commission and by support for the Tree Council. The latter are organising their second National Tree Week 6th-14th March, the main objects of which include promoting the replacement of trees dying of Dutch elm disease, and I shall personally be participating in this, as I hope will other hon. Members.