HC Deb 07 August 1940 vol 364 cc204-5
50. Major Lloyd

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider appointing to the Wool Control Board a member of the producing industry in order to ensure that the views of the wool producers in this country are adequately represented when the question of price-fixing is considered

Mr. H. Morrison

There is no Wool Control Board. There are two British Wool Control Advisory Committees, one for England and Wales and one for Scotland and Northern Ireland, on which the farmers are represented as well as merchants and others. The prices to be paid for this year's wool clip were discussed by my predecessor with the representatives of the National Farmers' Unions and a number of other bodies representing the industry before the prices were fixed by the Ministers concerned. Suitable steps will again be taken to ascertain the views of the producers when the time comes to consider the prices for next year's clip.

Mr. Snadden

When the 1940 wool clip prices were up for consideration were the Advisory Committees consulted in a body, or were individuals consulted?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot say, but the settlement of this matter had to be made by a Minister and could not be delegated to the Advisory Committees.

Mr. Levy

Is the Minister aware that because these committees are advisory they are ignored, and that they will be of no use unless their advice is taken?

Mr. Morrison

When it comes to spending public money, Ministers must be responsible and not advisory committees.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Is the Minister aware that those engaged in the woollen industry have great appreciation of the excellent work done by the Wool Control?