HC Deb 03 August 1916 vol 85 cc503-4
91. Mr. MOONEY

asked whether an order has been issued by the Wool Purchase Department of the War Office from the Dublin branch, directing that any wool bought, paid for, and which was delivered prior to the order of the 8th June, 1916, in the districts of South Armagh, South Down and Newry, is to be sent to Messrs. John Robson, Limited, Chichester Street, Belfast; that it will be there valued and taken over by a competent buyer appointed under the wool purchase scheme; and, if so, whether he is aware that this will lead to diverting to Belfast all the wool grown in South Armagh, South Down, etc., from Newry, which is the natural market town of the district; and whether, under these circumstances, he will appoint a special receiver of wool at Newry, where it could be taken over by the Government, and so preserve the normal flow of business to that town?

Mr. FORSTER

The instruction referred to relates only to a comparatively small portion of the Irish clip which had already passed from the farmers into the hands of dealers and wool buyers before the Order of the Army Council, of 8th June. It does not apply to wool in the hands of farmers, which wool it is anticipated will be consigned by them in the ordinary way through the market town where it is usually handled. There is no reason to expect that wool which is usually marketed at Newry will be diverted elsewhere, and it therefore does not appear necessary to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. JOYCE

(by Private Notice) asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office wheither, in the case of wools bought before the Government restrictions came into force, paid for and sold again, permits will be granted to forward them to destinations within the British Islands?

Mr. FORSTER

I have not received any notice from the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. JOYCE

I sent it u> him three hours ago.

Mr. FORSTER

But I think that I can answer this question. Where wool has been sold before 8th June, and where delivery has been taken, it will, be bought by the Government wool buyers, and the market price will prevail.

Mr. JOYCE

I desire to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment of the House on Monday.