§ 60. Major Dowerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the serious decline in prices for sheep and lambs?
§ Mr. RamsbothamSince my right hon. Friend's statement during the Estimates Debate on 13th July, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend, the number of fat sheep offered for sale at representative markets in England and Wales has shown an increase of 12 per cent. over the corresponding period of 1937, and the increase in the past four weeks has exceeded 20 per cent. Prices of fat sheep have nevertheless shown no further decline during the past three months, but there has been a slight seasonal fall in the price of fat lambs. The prices realised at the autumn sales of store sheep have proved less unsatisfactory than was at one time anticipated. The slight increase of 1 per cent. over 1937 quantities in total imports of mutton and lamb during the first nine months of the year is due to larger arrivals of ewe mutton, which is not normally competitive with the home product. Imports of lamb have declined. The supply position during the forthcoming year is receiving consideration.
§ Major DowerMay I ask whether the discussions which have been taking place with Australia and New Zealand have been concluded, whether they are satisfactory, and whether the result will be to stop the inflow of mutton and lamb into this country?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would give notice of that question.