asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the price at which overproduced supplies of trees are sold by the Department is based on market rates or on the cost of production; if he is aware there is serious concern in the native tree growing industry at the competition of his Department; and, if so, if he is prepared to hold a conference with members of the established trade who consider that their interests are being injured, and that the work could be done more economically and more suitably by themselves.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Trees.
asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the present effort to sell trees grown by his Department in excess of requirements, he will consider the question of arranging for at least a portion of his supplies of small trees to be grown by the Irish forest tree growers or by established nurserymen, as is successfully and economically arranged in other countries with important Government forestry systems.
I propose to take together the Deputy's two questions relating to the sale of surplus trees by the Forestry Division.
No effort is being made to grow trees in excess of requirements, but for climatic and other reasons surpluses or deficits on estimated production are not uncommon. The surplus of plants at present on hands is confined to one or two species.
The price at which surplus supplies are being offered for sale by the Forestry Division is based on the cost of production. These plants are being offered only to the nursery trade and as offers are confined to Sitka Spruce transplants, of which there appears to be a general shortage in the commercial nurseries, no question of competition with the trade is involved.
It is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by having a conference with members of the nursery trade with a view to their growing portion of the stocks of trees likely to be required in future years.