Living barrier - noncommittal statement (5)
I believe the answer is:
hedge
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'living barrier' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'noncommittal statement' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
(Other definitions for hedge that I've seen before include "Try to avoid answering questions or dealing with issues" , "Bushy barrier" , "Duck" , "Field barrier" , "Barrier of shrubs or bushes" .)