§ MR. GINNELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Department of Agriculture has drawn his attention to the increased quantity of timber exported from Ireland during the last four years as compared with previous years, and the practice of landlords to strip of trees estates they are about to sell; has the Government any powers to stop or check the destruction of trees or to require fresh plantation; and, if not, will he ask Parliament for such powers this session.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The new Returns of Exports and Imports issued by the Department of Agriculture do not furnish approximately complete figures for any year earlier than 1904. 115,000 tons of timber were exported from Ireland in each of the years 1904 and 1905. The figures for 1906 are not yet available. The Estates Commissioners have no power to interfere with the cutting of timber on estates about to be sold. They are aware that allegations have been made that some landlords have cut down timber in anticipation of sales. The Commissioners are also aware that tenant purchasers have disposed of their timber to a considerable extent. They have endeavoured to prevent the practice, as diminishing the security for the advance, but their existing powers do not appear to be effective. The question whether further powers should be provided is one of much difficulty, but the matter will be considered in the event of the introduction of legislation for amending the Land Acts.