asked the Minister for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities drawing their attention to the danger posed by dead elm trees left standing along public thoroughfares and the need for remedial action.

My Department issued a circular to local authorities on 20 February 1984 which drew their attention to the special need for a periodic inspection of elm trees on or adjoining public roads because of the swift spread of Dutch Elm disease. A general circular setting out the powers and duties of road authorities regarding roadside trees and hedges, issued on 1 September 1988, indicated that priority should be given to the removal of dead trees, dying trees or trees with obviously extensive decay.