HC Deb 21 February 1918 vol 103 cc890-1
6. Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken by the various? Government Departments in Ireland to replant the woods which have been cut down; whether his attention has been called to the action of the Aerial League in offering to plant in Ireland two ash trees for every ash tree felled for aircraft construction purposes; can he say to what extent this undertaking has been carried out; and whether steps will be taken to carry out a similar policy in the case of all trees which have been or are about to be felled?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)

As to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to questions by the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division on 17th January, and the hon. Member for West Cavan on 28th January last. I am aware of the offer of the Aerial League in regard to ash trees but the Department of Agriculture inform, mo that, as felling is now proceeding, replanting cannot be undertaken this year. The policy which should be adopted in connection with other trees felled is being dealt with in consultation with the Ministry of Reconstruction.

Mr. BOLAND

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question which asks to what extent the undertaking of the Aerial League has been carried out?

Mr. DUKE

I should think from the answer that I have given that the circumstances for carrying out the undertaking have not yet arisen. If my hon. Friend desires further information upon the subject I will obtain it.

Mr. BOLAND

In view of the fact that some of these trees have been cut down already, why is not the undertaking-carried out?

Mr. DUKE

The difficulty, I suppose, is that you must have an area to plant in before you can replant.

Major NEWMAN

What is the address of the Aerial League?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot say, but I will get it for the hon. Member.

Captain SHEEHAN

What has been done in consultation with the Ministry of Reconstruction? We are told what is going to be done, but we are never told what has been done.

Mr. DUKE

There has been communication with the Departments of Agriculture in the three countries, with a view to deciding upon action in reference to tree planting, and I hope that at no distant date it may be found possible to say what will be done.

Captain SHEEHAN

Statements have been published as to what is going to be done in England. Why cannot similar statements be published in regard to Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

I am not sure that the statements that have been published are accurate. Judging from my knowledge of the position, I think that they arc not.