HC Deb 11 March 1890 vol 342 cc492-3
MR. MAURICE HEALY (Cork)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the destruction of woods and plantations which have in many cases followed the sale of landlords' estates in Ireland under Lord Ashbourne's Act; whether it is the fact that in consequence of a recent sale in the County Cork (Lord Egmont's estate), an extensive tract of country will be denuded of timber, the trees having been sold by the landlord to a timber merchant; and whether, in any further measure dealing with the question of land purchase in Ireland, provisions will be introduced to prevent the general destruction of Irish woods and plantations?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

My attention has been called to the serious question raised in the first paragraph. I am informed that 131 acres have been sold to contractors, some before, some after, negotiations for sale were commenced. Forty-five acres are still unsold.

MR. M. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what has occurred on Lord Egmont's estate has also occurred on other estates; and is there any danger of the practice extending?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have not heard of any other instance on a Large estate.