§ 48 Mr. John Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) the percentage of home-produced wool which is spoiled by dip stains or tar brands; and if his Department has consulted with farmers, wool manufacturers and merchants with reference to representations made by these organisations opposing the use of staining dips or marking fluids which will not scour out of wool;
(2) if he will undertake to introduce legislation prohibiting the colouring of wool by dip staining or tar branding, of a similar character to that in force in Australia and Eire;
(3) if he will make a statement regarding the recent discussions between an official of his Ministry and a deputation representative of farmers, wool manufacturers and merchants regarding the home-produced wool which is spoiled by dip stains and tar brands; and if he will state the quantity of wool from overseas which is now being used by British manufacturers, because of the difficulty they experience in sorting coloured wool from white wool.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI have been asked to reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture who, unfortunately, has lost his voice.
Recently a deputation representing farmers, wool manufacturers and merchants, was received by my right hon. Friend's Department. The deputation asked for legislation to prevent the use of colouring matter in dips and of harmful marking material. It was agreed to refer the probem for further consideration by the Wool Advisory Committee, from whom my right hon. Friend expects a recommendation shortly. The annual loss resulting from the use of these harmful materials is estimated at about 4 per cent. of the value of the British wool clip, but my right hon. Friend has no information which leads him to suppose that any quantity of wool from overseas is now being used by British manufacturers because of the difficulty of sorting coloured wool from white wool.
§ Mr. LewisIn the absence of his right hon. Friend will my hon. and learned Friend impress upon him the necessity of 29 expediting decisions based upon the recommendation of the full advisory committee?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI have no doubt that the decision will be forthcoming in due course with reasonable expedition.
§ Captain CrookshankWhile regretting the absence of the Minister of Agriculture, may I ask why it is that his Parliamentary Secretary or one of the Whips is not replying for him, because I do not remember the Solicitor-General ever answering for the Minister of Agriculture?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI must apologise for my presence and for my right hon. Friend's absence. I understand that his voice suddenly left him without warning.
§ Captain CrookshankWhat about the Parliamentary Secretary?