§ 55. Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what arrangements are being made to prevent the cutting down of trees in Ireland; and whether he is in a position to give information as to the measures proposed to be carried out this season for replanting and acquiring land useless for other purposes?
§ Mr. SAMUELSIt is not desirable that steps should be taken to prevent the felling of trees which are needed for war purposes. Care should, however, be taken that sheltering should be preserved for holdings. As already stated in reply to several previous questions on this subject, the Department of Agriculture have under consideration measures to secure that in felling timber due regard is had to the necessity for making provision for replanting. As the planting season has now practically ended no special action can be taken for replanting at present. The importance of the subject is fully recognised and the matter will continue to receive careful attention.
§ Mr. FIELDIs the hon. Gentleman aware that an enormous quantity of timber is being felled in Ireland which is not required for war purposes, and will that practice be put a atop to as far as possible?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI do not think there are any powers existing for that purpose.
§ Mr. FIELDWill you seek to obtain the powers to prevent this wastage so far as Ireland is concerned?