§ MR. FETHERSTONHAUGHTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a communication from the Irish Forestry Society, calling attention to the great destruction of timber in Ireland and urging the creation of a forestry department similar to those of most Continental countries and of India; and whether he can see his way to take a inaction in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I understand that the proposal referred to in the Question has come before both the Royal Commission on Congestion in Ireland and the Committee of Inquiry into the Department of Agriculture. It would seem desirable to await the Reports of both of these bodies before further considering the matter.