15. Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he is now in possession of sufficient information with regard to the costs of production in Scottish hill sheep farming; and whether he can give an assurance that these costs will be taken into account when the new wool prices are fixed?
Mr. JohnstonI have a good deal of information as to the very difficult financial position of hill sheep farming in Scotland, including evidence as to the increase and relative importance of the different items of cost in the farmers' outlays. This information will be fully taken into account when the 1941 wool prices are being fixed.
Mr. RobertsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that breeders of black-face sheep are receiving 11½d. per lb. for their wool, while the Wool Controller is selling it at 1s. 2d. per lb. in Scotland, and that the merchants are further selling it at 1s. 5d., free on rail, in Scotland? Does he not consider that 50 per cent. increase is far too much, when the farmers are in want?
Mr. JohnstonThe latter part of my hon. Friend's question should, I think, be put to the Minister of Supply. The Question on the Order Paper was as to the amount that should be given to the wool producers. I would point out to the hon. Member that there are other considerations that must be taken into account besides actual wool prices. There is, for example, the 2s. 6d. subsidy given to hill sheep farmers for each breeding ewe.