(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Fisheries if the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have concluded their experiments into the preservation treatment of native wood for use as telegraph poles; and, if so, if he will state the result.

The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, acting on behalf of my Department, have examined the feasibility of increasing the permeability of spruce poles to preservatives first by submersion in natural water, such as lakes, and secondly by sprinkling the poles with water which has been seeded with suitable bacteria.

The technical aspects of the water storage method have been resolved at one site. The results indicate a satisfactory absorption of preservative. Biological tests at other lake sites are being carried out to determine their suitability for large-scale ponding. Technical aspects of achieving similar satisfactory results by sprinkling poles with water are still being examined.

(Dublin Central): Could the Minister give an indication as to whether there will be any finality in this?

That I must leave to the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards. I can tell the Deputy that the suitability of other lakes, as well as the lake where the first experiment was carried out, is being examined. As far as can be ascertained the planting of poles has no adverse effect on the lake water. In addition, the use of sprinklers in enclosed yards has been tested. The latter method would, of course, considerably reduce the cost of handling the material.

(Dublin Central): Could the Minister say if Irish timber is used at all for telegraph poles?

Yes. The ESB and the Department of Posts and Telegraphs are very big purchasers of Irish timber for poles from the Land Commission.

(Dublin Central): The information I have is that the life of Irish timber is comparatively short as compared with that of Scandinavian timber.

I should not like to comment on that but the present experiments should certainly tend to improve the situation.