HC Deb 27 June 1916 vol 83 cc727-8
80. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the prohibition of the sale of wool will press hardly on many sheep farmers; and if, while the prohibition exists, suitable arrangements will be made for farmers to obtain an adequate advance without interest on their crops?

Mr. FORSTER

The necessary organisation for purchasing wool from the farmer is now being set up, and as soon as arrangements can be made to take delivery it is proposed to pay the farmer 75 per cent, of the estimated value of his clip, the balance being paid as soon as the wool has been inspected. Interest at 5 per cent, will be credited to farmers who are required to retain their wool after a certain period.

Mr. PETO

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether all the wool will be bought on the premises of the farmer or whether it will be delivered at the usual place of sale?

Mr. FORSTER

That depends upon circumstances.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the rules here laid down are applied to Ireland?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes.

Mr. R. GWYNNE

Are the Government going to resell that which they do not want?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes; we sell all the wool which is not found suitable for military requirements.

Mr. GWYNNE

Then will the profits be given over to the farmers?

Colonel YATE

Will the price of the wool be paid at once?

Mr. FORSTER

Seventy-five per cent, will be paid by way of advance, and the balance of 25 per cent, will be paid as soon as the wool has been inspected.

Mr. G. FABER

Who fixes the price?

Mr. FORSTER

I hope that it will be done by agreement. As I have already said in answer to a question, our proposal is that we should take the pre-war price and add a suitable percentage to meet the extra cost the farmer now has to bear.