asked the Minister for Fisheries if his Department's sawmilling operations have been a success; and, if so, whether it is proposed to develop and extend the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sawmilling Operations.
21.
My Department's sawmilling operations have given satisfactory results. I have, however, no present intention of developing or extending my Department's sawmilling capacity.
Does the Minister not accept that having regard to the success of this operation to date and in view of the increasing rate of maturity of our forests this is one area where it is absolutely essential that he has a developing interest?
They have to await the arrival of more timber. There are satisfactory results. The net profits of four sawmills were as follows: £21,000 in 1975; £27,000 in 1974; £4,000 in 1973-74; £8,000 in 1972-73. It is a matter we will have to look at but at the moment there is no decision and the correct answer has been given to the Deputy.
Will the Minister not accept that the answer is incorrect in that it ignores the increasing rate of maturity of our trees? I can visualise a situation in a few years' time where the existing facilities will not be able to cope with the mature timber available. Now is the time to prepare for such an eventuality.
I will look into that.