asked the Minister for Lands why the local forester at Emo State forest has refused firewood to a customer (name supplied) when supplies were available according to a letter from his Department dated 4th October, 1967.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refusal of Firewood.
34.
The customer to whom the Deputy refers made inquiries on two occasions recently for firewood at Emo Forest. Firewood was available on each occasion but he refused to accept it.
May I assure the Minister that that is not my information? The Minister must not have correct information. I am informed by the applicant who applied for the firewood immediately on his return from the State forest that he was informed by the State forester that there was no firewood for him. I immediately applied to the Department who informed me that it was there for him. He again returned to the forester and said that he was told by me that the firewood was available. He was again told that it was not. Would the Minister be prepared to look into the matter again and have it investigated? This man has been a good worker and he is prepared to pay for the firewood. I would be grateful if the Minister would look into the matter again.
It is clear to me that there is plenty of firewood available. This man is a merchant but he wants a particular type of firewood which he requires close to his own place of business. He does not want to take the timber that is available. He cannot pick and choose where he will get a supply. My information is that he was told that firewood was available if he would take it but he refused the stuff that was available.
If the Minister looks into his end of the matter, I will look into my end and report to him.