Timber

39.

Mr. Eastham
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will say what effect he estimates his Department's published plans for encouraging woodlands will have on future timber import requirements.

Mr. Donald Thompson
It is estimated that by the end of the next decade some 20–25 per cent. of our timber needs will be met from existing woodlands. The planting  programmes now envisaged will further reduce our dependence on imports in the course of time, but it is not possible to put a precise figure on this as much will depend on long term levels of demand.