asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if there has been an overall reduction in the number of employed people in State forests during the last 12 months; and, if so, the number employed on 31 January, 1982 and 31 December, 1983.
Written Answers. - Employment in State Forests.
282.
There was a small reduction in the overall number of forest workers employed during 1983. The number tends to fluctuate slightly in the course of a year, mainly due to the seasonal nature of forestry operations. The numbers employed on 31 January, 1982 and 31 December, 1983 were 2,692 and 2,539 respectively.