Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Local Government Board what authority supervises the felling and clearing of timber for the Government; whether it is competent to any authority to fell trees and leave them for an indefinite period lying across hedges, fences, and ornamental shrubs, and otherwise damaging and destroying the amenities of the property of the original owner of such tree or of that of his immediate neighbours?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. The Timber Supply Department is responsible for the home-grown timber operations of the Government, and if the hon. Member will bring to the notice of the Controller of Timber Supplies any particular case he has in mind, inquiries will be made. The agreements under which timber is acquired ordinarily provide a period within which it is to be removed, and the Timber Supply Department, I understand, always endeavours to meet the wishes of owners and the public convenience, as far as possible.