asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry whether, in view of the fact that we are currently importing some £60 million worth of soft woods per annum and that we could in a few years reverse this situation and become an exporter of soft wood products, he will state why the £200,000 research grant to the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards for the development of wood preservation, wood quality and timber engineering has been withdrawn without any explanation.

44.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will explain why the research grant to the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards for the development of wood preservation, wood quality and timber engineering on home grown timber was withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

45.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that the research budget for forestry has been cut by £280,000 and if he will explain why.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 43, 44, and 45 together.

I have already stated in reply to a similar question on February last that no decision has been made to abandon research on timber technology but my Department, who have already provided almost £1,000,000 for funding such research, have made only a token provision in the current year because of other pressures on resources available to the Department.

How much is being spent on timber research this year?

Over the past ten years the Department have provided almost £1 million for research on timber technology. The amount provided last year was £180,000.

And this year? The fact remains that the grant has been cut by £200,000. Is that the position or not?

That information is not available to me.

That is the question.

So the Department are going to continue to research without providing any money for it?

Is the Minister aware that——

This is for the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry. Where is he? That is the third time the Minister has failed——

Would Deputy White please allow Deputy Tully ask a supplementary question?

Is the Minister aware that over many years efforts have been made to have a higher proportion of native timber used? How do the Government propose to reach a position in which we will be able to use the timber we are growing, rather than importing it, if the money for research is being cut as drastically as it appears to be?

It is being cut this year but that does not necessarily mean it will be cut every year. The research situation will be kept under constant review by the Department of Forestry.

The Minister, of course, is aware that our timber is being sold outside this country——

Please, Deputy, do not give the Minister information, just ask for it.

I seem to have more information than the Minister.

Unfortunately the Minister obviously needs it.

Is the Minister aware that timber is being sold at £1 per ton for export? Is he now saying to the House that there is no money at all allocated for research in 1981? I want that question answered. Yes or no?

I have already told the Deputy that a token amount only is being provided for research this year but that the situation will be kept under review by the Department of Fisheries and Forestry in future years.

And what will happen about research? Is that gone?

Boy scouts, bob a job.