asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of the acute shortage of timber for firewood and commercial purposes, he will relax the regulations restricting the felling of timber adjacent to roadways.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Felling of Timber.
The emergency powers Orders relative to the felling of roadside trees have been continued in force by the Supplies and Services (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1946, and it is not at present proposed to revoke them. As I explained on a previous occasion, the extensive felling of roadside trees during the emergency, prior to the making of the Orders, created a serious military problem, so much so that an inter-departmental committee has been set up on the directions of the Government to consider the question of the continuance in permanent legislation of restrictions on the felling of roadside trees and to prepare a scheme for the encouragement of the planting of such trees.
In view of the difficult situation which has arisen owing to the fact that the turf crop has failed to a great extent, and that there is danger of a serious shortage of fuel, would the Minister not consider making some temporary amendment of the Order so as to allow timber to be cut in certain cases where there is grave need for fuel, pending a final decision of the question?
I could not do that. That would not be very helpful in respect to the proposal which I have indicated, that we are actually contemplating a scheme under which we hope to encourage some further planting of trees on the roadside.