47. Payment to be made by claimant before delivery of timber

No person shall be entitled to recover possession of any timber collected as provided under section 43(2) until the amount of any reasonable expenses incurred in collecting, moving, storing and disposing of the timber has been paid to the forest officer or other person entitled to receive the same.

If any dispute arises as to the amount of expenses payable under this section, the matter shall be referred to the Minister, whose decision thereon shall be final.