§ 23. Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyteasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious condition of the sheep trade; and what steps he proposes to take to improve this side of the agricultural industry?
§ 22. Major Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that large numbers of sheep are being placed on the market at prices substantially lower than have been experienced for some years; and whether, 1223 in view of the dry season and the scarcity of feeding stuffs, he will take steps to regulate the import of mutton until the home producers can recover from these abnormal conditions?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware that the present prices for fat sheep and lambs are lower than in recent years. Marketings for the first four months as a whole do not appear to be abnormal. For example, entries for fat sheep at certain representative markets in England and Wales totalled 680,617 up to the week ended 4th May, 1938, as against an average of 687,521 for the comparable periods of 1935–37. Home supplies during the last two weeks have, however, been rather heavier than usual at this season, owing possibly to temporary causes. Supplies of mutton and lamb from foreign countries to the United Kingdom are already limited in accordance with the Ottawa Agreements to approximately 65 per cent. of the standard year (July, 1931-June, 1932). I am in consultation with representatives of the Governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and of New Zealand in regard to supplies from those Dominions during the current year. The situation is being kept under close review.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteIn view of the great importance of sheep to the agricultural industry, will the right hon. Gentleman hurry up these consultations and see that the matter is dealt with as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MorrisonI agree as to the importance of sheep to the agricultural industry, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there will be no avoidable delay in these consultations.
§ Mr. PalingWhy is it that when anything happens in agriculture, hon. Members who believe in private enterprise always come to the State to ask for a remedy?