asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the unsatisfactory market for timber; and, if so, if he has any plans for marketing such timber as has matured in the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Timber.
17.
The price of timber has fallen on the world markets and ocean freights are at lower rates than for some time. These factors have brought about a reduction in the price of imported timber and the price of Irish-grown timber has fallen proportionately. I am not aware, however, that mature Irish-grown timber of suitable quality is failing to find a market and there are already some indications that timber prices will tend to rise.
The Minister knows it is not a question of prices; it is a question of marketing. I do not think I have had a reply in regard to marketing.
I have indicated that we have no indication that mature Irish-grown timber of suitable quality is failing to find a market.
Would the Minister mind indicating where it is possible to obtain a market?
The public authorities, for example, are purchasing timber for the building of houses.
I am fully aware that houses are being built but I am also aware of the fact that nobody can sell this timber. If the Minister would like some instances I can give them to him.
As I have already said, I have no information that properly matured Irish-grown timber of suitable quality is failing to find a market. If the Deputy would like to give me some instances of that I shall have them investigated.
Ba mhaith liom an freagra a chlos arís.
Is it, or is it not, true that mature Irish timber in the round cannot be exported because our Government prohibits its export?
That depends upon the type of timber. Export licences are available for certain types of timber but not for others.
In the bulk, we are precluded by our own Government from selling in the round to the best buyer.
It has to be sold on the domestic market at whatever price it will fetch?
That does not apply to all classes of timber.
No. Would the Minister consider meeting the difficulty mentioned by Sir Anthony Esmonde, of getting adequate market facilities by suspending—at least for a period—the provision that required a vendor of mature Irish timber in the round to get a licence before it can be sold?
The situtation is a little bit more complicated than that. As everybody knows the Russians threw a great deal of timber on to the market and reduced prices. It did cause a change in the market price. It is believed that prices are now hardening but it is impossible to say with certainty. It is believed that the situation is being corrected to a certain degree on a temporary basis, but it is impossible for me to give any indication as to whether the Minister for Industry and Commerce would be prepared to give licences. We have to study the situation and watch the market, and at the moment I am advised an export licence need not be sought for the type of round timber at present prohibited.
The Minister referred to the dumping of Russian lumber. That is timber in plank. I am concerned to find out why, if the market is weak for mature Irish timber in the round, our Government will not make whatever contribution it can to the strengthening of that market by at least opening world markets to well finished round timber so that those who grow it can get the best price to be had and not leave them locked up inside the domestic market in which the Minister himself says Russian timber is being dumped.
The Minister for Industry and Commerce does take action when it is required such as recently when licences were freely given for all types of larch.
Not for pit props.
No. 18.