asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the shortage of rabbit wire, which is a necessary article for timber replanting; that rabbit wire is being quoted at 75/- a roll of 50 yards for wire 42 inches high and 1½ inches mesh in Ireland, whereas the same article can be delivered carriage free from England to any address in Northern Ireland at 32/8 a roll; and if so, whether he will consider increasing the replanting grant proportionately in order to compensate owners of woodlands who responded to the request of the Minister for Industry and Commerce to fell as much timber as possible and who are now compelled to incur substantially increased costs in rplanting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Rabbit Wire.
Mr. Boland
I am fully aware of the shortage of rabbit wire which, in most parts of the country, is essential for the protection of young plantations. My Department is able to obtain only a small fraction of its requirements. Like other materials in short supply wire is more expensive than when supplies were plentiful, but I have no responsibility in regard to its price nor have I any information beyond that furnished by the Deputy about its cost in Northern Ireland. I am aware, however, that the shortage is universal and is not confined to this country.
It was partly on account of the higher cost of fencing materials that, in 1944, the grant payable in respect of tree planting was increased from £4 to £10 an acre. But the value of timber also rose considerably and does not appear likely to fall again to its pre-war level. I am not prepared to consider any further increase in the grant. Any person who has undertaken to plant trees in fulfilment of the conditions in a felling licence and who finds it impossible to procure fencing materials at a reasonable price will be granted an extension of the period allowed for replanting by applying to the Forestry Division and stating the facts.