asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the forestry authorities are engaged in clearing the land for replanting on the Waterford estate, Portlaw, County Waterford; that thousands of tons of firewood are being destroyed by fire on the spot, or allowed to remain on the ground to rot, because, it is stated, the price charged for it is excessive when the difficulties of removal are taken into account; and if he will have the matter inquired into with a view to giving the timber free of charge to those willing to remove it, and thus enable people in Portlaw and the surrounding districts to provide themselves with firewood for the winter, as many find it difficult, owing to the increasing cost of living, to purchase the necessary coal, which has also risen in price.

Any timber on the State forest lands at Portlaw suitable for firewood is being sold at a very cheap rate, viz., 6d. per ass load, 1/- per pony load, and 2/- per horse load; and there is no case for giving it away free in view of these nominal prices. The ground is being prepared for planting purposes, and it is necessary in order to get it into proper condition for planting that all brushwood, small branches, briars, etc., which are not suitable for firewood should be destroyed by burning.

Is the Minister aware that there is a good deal of this heavy timber being left there, and that it is not being disposed of under the present system? Would the Minister arrange to give the timber at a nominal price to some local timber merchant who would give considerable employment in having it removed?

I submit that the price mentioned, 1/- per pony load, 2/- per horse load, and 6d. per ass load, is very nominal.

It is very difficult to get this timber removed from the place, and they say it is not worth anything. Would it not be better to give it away for firewood to the people rather than to have it burned on the spot?

I am sure the Land Commission will do anything possible to facilitate the clearing of the ground. If the Deputy knows anyone who may be able to negotiate about the purchase of the timber, I will be glad, but at the moment I cannot give any other answer but the answer I have given.

Would not the Minister prefer giving it away rather than burning it on the spot?

I have given the Deputy all the information that is in my possession.

Would the Minister give an ass load for nothing?

The Deputy has had my answer.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what progress has been made by the Forestry Department in the acquisition and utilisation of the lands of Gregg, Derryoran and Ballyhinch, near Whitegate, County Clare.

I would ask the Deputy to be good enough to repeat this question in a fortnight's time. A statement on the matter is being prepared.