asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that many farmers have been served by local authorities with notices, requiring them within 21 days to cut down roadside hedges; if he is further aware that grave hardships are inflicted on farmers by the requirements of the compulsory tillage Orders and by the shortage of labour; and whether, having regard to the fact that the regulations regarding the trimming of roadside hedges have not been enforced for the past six years, and to the first duty of farmers to continue intensive tillage operations in view of the food position here and in Europe, he will instruct local authorities to have the notices in question withdrawn.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cutting of Roadside Hedges.
A farmer cannot lawfully be requested or ordered to trim or cut a hedge or tree between the end of March and the end of September. I have no power to direct the withdrawal of notices.