§ 54. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost to the State of the Wool Control organisation in the year 1948; how much of this sum went in payment of wages and salaries; what is the contemplated cost to the State in the year 1949; and how much will be spent on salaries and wages.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe total administrative expenses of the Wool Control for the calendar year 1948 amounted to approximately £90,000, of which £60,000 was in respect of wages and salaries. For the calendar year 1949 the estimated total expenses are approximately £50,000, of which wages and salaries amount to £37,000.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottDoes not the President think, as the Wool Control after 1st April will have only two duties left to perform, duties which could be performed efficiently by the trades' associations, that he ought to do away with this unnecessary expenditure by doing away with the Wool Control?
§ Mr. WilsonNo, Sir. I certainly could not do away with the Wool Control. I am trying all the time to reduce the burden of control in connection with the wool industry, and, I wish, as soon as I can, to get rid of all control.
§ Sir I. FraserDoes wool carry this burden, or does the taxpayer?
§ Mr. WilsonThe taxpayer.
§ Sir I. FraserWhy?