asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the turf at present supplied to Enniscorthy, Wexford and other areas is of very poor quality; that the condition of this turf is causing great hardship to the people concerned; and if he will take immediate steps to see that turf of a better quality is made available and also that timber is released for use as domestic fuel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quality of Turf in Wexford.
As regards turf supplies, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a Dáil question on 22nd January, 1947. No control is exercised over the supply and distribution of firewood, and therefore the question of the release of timber for use as domestic fuel does not arise.
Is the Minister aware that there is timber along the roads which could be cut down for firewood and that farmers who cut down trees on their own land are brought to court and fined?
Certain restrictions are exercised under the authority of other Ministers on the cutting of timber, but in so far as it is possible to interpret these restrictions in a manner which will increase to the maximum the supply of firewood, that has been done.
With regard to the turf position generally, the supplier in Bunclody told me yesterday that the amount allowed for that village this week is 1 ton 13 cwts. So many new orders are being issued every day by Fuel Importers, Ltd. that merchants do not know what to do in the matter of getting turf for next week or next month, and the Minister should make arrangements whereby Fuel Importers, Ltd., would not send communications to merchants telling them that they are to get so much this week, based on the amount they handled in a certain week last year. That is the latest order which has been given to merchants in my town.
And I sincerely hope it will be possible to keep up the supply on the basis of last year's distribution, but, if the present weather continues, that may not be possible.