§ 85. Mr. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether many farmers are being inconvenienced by the fact that they are not allowed to sell their wool clip, and are consequently kept out of their money while the Government is making up its mind what wool it will take and at what price; and how soon the Government will fix the price and define its requirements?
§ Mr. FORSTERArrangements are now being completed for the purchase of the whole of the 1916 clip by the Department. Farmers are sending in census forms showing the numbers and qualities of their fleeces, and purchases have already been made in the Midland district and elsewhere. Full instructions have been given to every farmer in a leaflet issued with the census forms. A schedule of prices for England and Wales has been drawn up and approved by the Central Advisory Committee, and local price lists, based on this general schedule, are now being drawn up in each urea in consultation with local advisory committees, composed of three wool buyers and three farmers.
§ Mr. FORSTERAs my hon. Friend knows, the arrangements for Ireland are slightly different. Purchase has already begun in Ireland and corresponding arrangements must have been made.
§ Mr. HUME-WILLIAMSHow soon may the farmers hope that their WDOI clip will be taken?
§ Mr. FORSTERI cannot say, but we have already begun.
§ Mr. P. WHITEIs the hon. Gentleman going to keep the promise made to Irish Members that Ireland would be treated similarly to England? Why are not Irish farmers put on the same footing as English farmers? Why did the hon. Gentleman in selecting the Advisory Committee totally disregard the opinions expressed to him by Members acquainted with the wool trade?
§ Mr. FORSTERI did exactly the same for Ireland as I did for England.