TAP into a Better Tasmania, formerly Tasmanians Against the Pulp Mill, commissioned the EMRS poll.

The survey involved 800 adult Tasmanians who were interviewed by telephone during mid-June.

The preamble to the question stated : ``The planned Tamar Valley pulp mill would be the fourth largest in the world and will consume large amounts of water and four million tonnes of trees from plantations and State forests. Gunns is seeking money from foreign companies to fund the project.''

The Question asked: ``Should the government allow the planned pulp mill to go ahead if it results in foreign control of Tasmanian water, land and forests?''

Sixty five per cent or respondents said no, 26 per cent said yes and 9 per cent were unsure.

TAP spokesman Bob McMahon used the results to hit out at Federal Forestry Minister Tony Burke, who last week endorsed Gunns' project in Parliament during an update on the industry.

``The federal Minister has gone out on a limb and ignored the agriculture and fisheries responsibilities of his own portfolio by publicly backing Gunns' proposed pulp mill for the Tamar Valley,'' Mr McMahon said.

``At risk are many wine-making, organic food and horticultural small businesses that thrive in the region and 2600 tourism-related businesses in Launceston and Tamar Valley.''

Gunns set June 30 as the date by which it would have made an announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange about a joint venture finance partner.

It is not commenting about the latest poll.