asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that private forestry owners are at a disadvantage as compared with State forests in that they have to pay rates and taxes though they may have to wait for many years for remunerative return; and if so, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to put private ownership on an equitable basis with State ownership.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private Forestry Owners.
In effect rates are payable on State forest land just as on privately owned land although the payment machinery is different.
Income-tax is payable on privately owned forest land. The State does not collect income-tax from itself on State forest land but the real position would not be affected if such a bookkeeping transfer were made.
I would like to point out for the information of persons contemplating planting that the private owner must pay rates and taxes on waste land from which he derives no benefit but by planting such areas he can make them productive without any increase in his outgoings for rates or income-tax. The only additional charge that could arise from putting the land to productive use is a contingent liability for estate duty—in the case of large estates—payable out of the proceeds of the timber according as it comes for sale in the normal course.