59. Mr. Robertsonasked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider the case of the "Where-lying-in-Scotland"price for Blackface wool for export to the United States of America, which is. 2d.per lb., or more, and the price paid to farmers only is. 0½d.; and whether he is satisfied as to the propriety of retaining this profit when many hill farmers are in need?
§ The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)The difference between the two prices is not sufficient to cover the costs incurred in dealing with the wool from the time of taking over from the farmer to the time of sale for export. As my hon. Friend was informed on 6th February, there is no profit to the Government.
Mr. RobertsonWill my right hon. Friend investigate the costs mentioned in the Question? Will he bear in mind that the difference in peace-time amounted to only one-eighth of a penny a pound; and will he take into account that when the is. o½d. price was fixed, Blackface mutton was badly wanted by the Government and Blackface wool was an unwanted commodity, but that the position is entirely different to-day? The 1930 clip has been sold, and the major part of the 1940 clip has been sold, and the industry is facing bankruptcy.
§ Sir A. DuncanThat raises considerations quite different from those in the Question, but I will certainly keep those points in mind.