asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in relation to the timber imported from the U.S.S.R., he is in a position to state why it is imported sawn rather than in the round.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Timber Imports from U.S.S.R.
I am not in a position to say why timber from the U.S.S.R. is not imported in the round. I assume, however, that the form in which timber is imported from any source is determined by economic considerations as well as by any export arrangements in force in the countries of origin.
The Minister is aware that there are very strict regulations from this side in order to ensure that any timber that is exported gives the fullest possible employment. Should the same regulation not apply to timber that is imported? It is a question of the work on the timber.
Timber importers here take the view that for commercial considerations it would be uneconomic to import timber in the round. There are technical reasons for that. However, apart from that, the policy of the exporting country has also to be considered. In at least some of the exporting countries, a policy of discouraging the export of timber in the round operates.