North-west forestry products study
The Minister said studies of sawmilling and pulpwood were complete; expansion plans for four north-western sawmills had been approved, while attracting pulpwood-industry investment remained difficult.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has received the report on the utilisation of forestry products in the north-west.
Comment on this
The Industrial Development Authority in consultation with my own Department have completed their overall study of the sawmilling sector. As a result of decisions taken on the basis of that study, I understand that plans for the expansion of four sawmills in the North Western Region have been approved by the IDA to date.
The study of the pulpwood sector has also been completed, but in view of the current recession in that sector greater difficulty has been experienced in attracting investment for pulpwood using industries. The IDA are pursuing a vigorous campaign to attract suitable industry but it is not possible, at this stage, to indicate where such industries might be located.