Evaluation of benefits from amenity and wildlife conservation

Vague statement concerning the desirability of conserving trees, old buildings, wildlife, or other assets, which contribute to public welfare without increasing the Gross National Produce, are commonplace; but they are not, in themselves, precise enough to facilitate decision-taking in particular instances or in the general allocation of funds or resources in the economy. There is, therefore, a need for the adoption of valuation procedures, similar to those outlined, together with a more sensible approach towards the discounting of future values, and a closer consideration of the sort of environment and life-style towards which we are striving.