To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why his Department cut down trees in Doncaster road, Pickburn, South Yorkshire, that were shielding houses from the effects of traffic on the Al(M); who authorised the action, and on what authority it was carried out; and what recompense will be given to the householders.

The work on this boundary hedge to encourage growth near ground level is to prevent children and animals from straying on to the motorway. The work was carried out in accordance with the Department's code of practice for routine maintenance introduced in 1985. No compensation is available to nearby householders in these circumstances.