asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a much smaller number of men are now employed by the forestry branch of his Department in the saw-mills situate at Ashford, Cong, County Mayo, than were employed there when the same were owned by the Hon. E. Guinness, and whether he will take steps to ensure a larger output therefrom, and thereby increase employment to its former level.

There are no details available as to the number of permanent employees on the Ashford estate at the time of purchase. On the date on which the estate was taken over by this Department there were six men working in the saw-mill. There are at present four men engaged in this mill, including the foreman, and it is hoped to take on two extra men in the near future.

Will the Minister not make inquiries as to the number employed by Mr. Guinness when the mills were in full working order, and does the Minister not consider that now is the time, in view of the fact that there is a great deal of ripe timber on the Ashford estate and in view of the timber shortage in the country, the output of these mills should be largely increased?

We are endeavouring to give as much employment as possible at the forest centres.

Will the Minister try to bring the number of men employed up to 40 or 50 instead of six?

No.