Michael Moynihan
Ceist:4 Mr. Moynihan asked the Taoiseach the quantity and value of timber imported to Ireland for each of the past three years.
Vol. 409 No. 4
4 Mr. Moynihan asked the Taoiseach the quantity and value of timber imported to Ireland for each of the past three years.
The following is a statement giving the required information.
Imports of Timber.
Year |
Tonnes |
£ million |
1988 |
209,425 |
61.7 |
1989 |
244,920 |
77.3 |
1990 |
263,182 |
87.5 |
In general it should be noted that commodity detail from external trade statistics does not include: (a) transactions (non-dutiable) of less than £200; (b) trade by firms operating in Shannon Free Airport; and (c) postal packages not covered by customs entries.
Even though this is a statistical question, I would like an indication of the type of timber imported, for example, hardwood or softwood. Can the Minister say if the Government have any policy on the importation of hardwood in particular because there is grave concern about the destruction of hardwood forests, particularly in Africa and South America?
Policy matters do not arise now. This is essentially a statistical question.