§ 57. Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that whilst hitherto wool in Carnarvonshire had been bought in bulk it is now graded, and that in consequence the price paid for it is in many cases less than the price paid in 1915 and less than the promised price of 35 per cent. on the price of 1914; and whether, in view of the fact that the seller is not represented at the grading of the wool or its valuation, what protection is afforded to the farmer?
§ Mr. FORSTERClips of 200 fleeces and under, in Wales, may be bought outright by authorised merchants on their own valuation without casing. In the valuation of larger clips on behalf of the Department casing is necessary in order to check the preliminary valuation and to protect the War Office and the farmer from mistakes as to the quality and condition of the wool. Invoices and casing returns are submitted to the Department's district executive officer before final payment is made, and if the farmer is dissatisfied with the casing return and the valuation of the authorised merchant he may appeal to that officer. If the hon. Member will supply me with particular cases where the prices paid have been less than the standard prices approved by the Central Advisory Committee for Wool Purchase which were based on the average prices ruling in June and July, 1914, with the addition of 35 per cent., I will have the necessary inquiries made.
§ Mr. DAVIESHas the hon. Gentleman not been told of cases where the price was not as high as that of 1914, with the percentage?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have been supplied with cases where it appeared to the people that the proper price had not been paid, but I think on investigation it was proved that the price was the proper one.