Lone Tory voice blocks Bill to save hedgerows

A LONE objection from a Tory MP yesterday scuppered a legislative attempt to conserve Britain's hedgerows, which are vanishing at a rate of about seven miles a day, writes Nicholas Schoon.

Shouts of 'shame' rose from both sides of the House of Commons as Christopher Gill, MP for Ludlow, said 'object' to prevent a Second Reading of a Private Member's Bill which would make it illegal for a farmer to destroy any rural hedge without first notifying the local district council.

Peter Ainsworth, Tory MP for Surrey East, spent months marshalling support for his Bill, which had the backing of the Government and Opposition parties, and countryside and conservation groups. Timetabling restraints meant it could not be debated yesterday and would have to go through to the Committee Stage 'on the nod' - without any objections. He said of Mr Gill's action: 'It came out of the blue - I was very disappointed.'

Last night Mr Gill said he was objecting to any increase in bureaucracy in the private sector. He said he had planted hedgerow on his farm in Shropshire, but added: 'I've had to dig my heels in on principle - I'm sorry that it's Peter Ainsworth and his Bill.'

Mr Ainsworth hopes to make another attempt at getting a Second Reading next Friday.