HC Deb 07 March 1902 vol 104 cc720-2
MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will recommend to the President of the Board of Agriculture the advisability of extending the proposed inquiry into afforestation so as to include Ireland, seeing that the Congested Districts Board has encouraged the planting of trees by free gifts and otherwise, that the subject has engaged the attention of several County Councils in Ireland, and that an Irish Forestry Society has recently been formed to promote afforestation.

MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)

At the same time may I ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is intended to make inquiries respecting woodlands and forestry in Ireland at the same time as in Great Britain, and to report concerning the three kingdoms, or whether a separate Committee will be formed to inquire into and to report upon the matter in Ireland.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (MR. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.

The Irish Department of Agriculture is represented on the Forestry Committee by its Assistant Secretary, Professor Campbell. I understand it is not proposed to extend the proposed inquiry to Ireland, and that the objects the hon. Members have in view will best be gained by a special investigation as regards Ireland. The matter from this point of view is now under consideration.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork Co., E)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to favourably consider the claims of the Cork County Council to representation on any Committee that may be formed, seeing that they led the rest of Ireland in this matter?

MR. ATKINSON

I will communicate that to the President of the Department of Agriculture.

MR. FIELD

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will arrange to have the amount derived from the sale of quit rents in Ireland, and the income available from the Woods and Forests Department in Ireland devoted to Irish use for re-afforestation; and whether he can arrange that the sum already spent on London parks shall be restored to Ireland for that purpose.

MR. ATKINSON

This Question should, I presume, he addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. The Irish Government have no power in the matter.