asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a further large section of woodland on the Waterford estate at Portlaw, County Waterford, has been fenced off for replanting; that there are thousands of tons of heavy timber lying on the ground; that it must remain there to rot when the young trees are planted; and if he will offer it free of cost to those willing to remove it.

As the Deputy was informed on 17th November last, in reply to a previous question, timber at Portlaw suitable for firewood can be obtained at nominal prices, 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 very cheap rates.

Is the Minister aware that in the Portlaw district he has the reputation of being a very bad landlord, of one who has allowed firewood to rot on the ground rather than give it away for nothing.

I am sure the Deputy will admit that 6d. per ass load is not a very high charge. I am sure he will realise that if the timber were given away free there might be all sorts of trespass, and that it might be very hard to regulate matters there. I think it is very reasonable to let people have the timber for 6d. per ass load.

Would the Minister consider having a spring sale of timber?

Certainly. Any reasonable proposition will be considered.

I have seen the timber, and I say it is a disgrace to have such an amount of it rotting there.

Apparently it is not considered worth very much when people will not pay the small sums asked for it.

Would the Minister consider giving those people the sixpences, they to provide the asses?

Perhaps Deputy Norton would do that.