asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that there are many urban councils in County Cork, such as Youghal, Kinsale, Midleton, Fermoy, etc., which are far removed from bog areas, but where wood is available if the councils possessed the power to acquire the woods; and if, in order to help out the fuel situation in these townships, he will consider extending the Emergency Powers Order (No. 108) so as to give the county council, or the urban councils, power to acquire compulsorily woodlands where scrub timber (unfit for commercial use) is available for fuel, subject to the permission of the Forestry Section of the Department of Lands.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Woodlands.
The fuel requirements of the districts mentioned will be met by means of turf. These districts are in the scheduled turf area where there is no restriction on the purchase or movement of turf. I am not prepared to consider the suggested extension of the powers given to the councils of county and urban authorities by Emergency Powers (No. 108) Order, 1941.