§ 37. Lieut-Colonel GAULTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the. precarious position of the sheep-raising industry in the United Kingdom; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Major ELLIOTI am aware of the difficulties through which the sheep-raising industry has been passing. The steps which the Government is taking are to regulate the quantities of mutton and lamb coming upon the United Kingdom market, and the Government will continue to take such steps as are practicable to secure, as far as possible, a remunerative level of prices. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that, the whole position is also being reviewed" by the Reorganisation Commission for Fat Stock which was appointed towards, the end of last year.
§ Lieut.-Colonel GAULTIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in this branch, as in other branches of agriculture, many farmers will be faced with bankruptcy unless an early improvement is effected?
§ Major ELLIOTThough it is true that the prices of sheep and Iambs are low, I do not think there has been any marked fall between this year's and last year's.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave the Reorganisation Committee yet issued any Report?
§ Major ELLIOTOh no, Sir. I am not expecting that they will report before, let us say, the autumn.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLIs it not the case that the competition with the domestic sheep-raising industry comes from the Dominions?
§ Major ELLIOTThe Dominions have accepted a scheme regulating their access to our market, and I hope good results will be shown.
§ Mr. GRENFELLBut is it not the case that no more can be done in that direction without the help of the Dominions?
§ Major ELLIOTI do not wish to discuss this matter across the Floor of the House by means of questions and answers. The hon. Member is well aware that the limitation of the supply operates for 12 months, and that the heavier landings in the first six months are about to be compensated by lower landings in the next six months.