§ 27. Mr. Lambertasked the Minister of Agriculture what action he has taktn, or proposes to take, to mitigate the losses of sheep producers caused through the severe fall in sheep prices?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The consultations with regard to imports of mutton and lamb from the principal Dominion suppliers, to which I have referred in my replies to previous questions, are still proceeding, but, as I have explained in those replies, the fall in sheep prices is due to a variety of causes, including an appreciable decline in the world prices of wool and skins, over which the Government have no control.
§ Mr. LambertWill my right hon. Friend answer the other part of the question—what action he proposes to take to mitigate the losses of sheep producers?
§ Mr. MorrisonI have informed my right hon. Friend about the consultations which have taken place. As regards the larger question, it is hardly suitable for discussion at Question Time. Perhaps he will raise the question next Wednesday in the discussion.
§ Mr. LambertWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a definite answer on Wednesday?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will give the best answer I can to any question my right hon. Friend may put to me.
§ Mr. PalingIs the object of these consultations to restrict the importation of foreign mutton and lamb and to raise the price here?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is designed to ensure a regulated market for imported produce in this market.
§ Mr. PalingIs it designed to raise prices here?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is intended to save the market from undue fluctuations.