asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that owing to the acute fuel shortage there is grave danger that many trees whose timber might be of commercial use and value may be felled and used for fuel; and if any precautions are being taken to prevent the wasteful use of such valuable timber.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wasteful Use of Timber.
I am aware of the danger referred to by the Deputy and every effort is being made to minimise it. Arrangements are in operation for several months past whereby the attention of each owner of standing timber, who has been granted a felling licence by the Minister for Lands, is specially directed by my Department to the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Control of Timber) Order, 1941, relating to the disposal of timber of commercial quality, and pointing out in particular that it is necessary for the purchase of commercial timber to have a permit from my Department. This Order is designed to secure the best possible use to which commercial timber may be applied. I am considering methods of improving the existing control over the disposal of commercially usable timber.