HC Deb 01 March 1905 vol 142 cc20-1
MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a feeling exists in county Longford and other parts of Ireland that such alterations should be made in the powers and duties of the Board of Agriculture and Technical Instruction as would enable them to deal with questions of drainage, afforestation, and other public works; and will he consider the advisability of introducing a short amending Bill in this direction.

MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. WYNDHAM)

The Department has already taken steps for the development of forestry. It has acquired lands with a view to the establishment of a school of forestry and the carrying out of operations in forestry. It would not, however, be practicable for the Department, with the funds at its disposal, to embark on any extensive scheme of afforestation. With regard to arterial drainage, the Department has no funds at its disposal for undertaking works of this character. I cannot give any pledge to introduce legislation such as suggested.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Could not the money now spent in technical instruction be devoted to better purposes?

MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)

In what part of Ireland is there a school of forestry?

MR. ATKINSON

I must ask for notice of any further Questions.