asked the Minister for Lands whether in relation to forest thinnings it is the intention of the Forestry Division of his Department to continue its present policy of selling standing timber by contract.

The answer is yes.

Is the Minister aware that this new policy of selling timber by contract is responsible for a large number of men being laid off?

It is not responsible for a large number being laid off; it is responsible for some. The thinnings must be cut down and got out, and the purchaser of the timber will presumably employ the men he finds are experienced in that work. All it means is that the men will have a different employer.

Would it not be true to say that in the interests of the Forestry Division the work would be much better done by direct labour?

If that were true the change would not have been made. The old system would have been retained.

This relates to thinnings.

To thinnings only.

Is the Minister aware that forests in the area may suffer from this system, that contractors who come in have no respect for the timber left standing?

The Deputy can rest assured that damage of that kind will not be permitted.