§ 57. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if British farmers will be paid current world market prices for this year's wool clip.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe guaranteed average price for the 1950 wool clip will be 27.05d. per lb., representing an increase over last year's prices equivalent to the whole of the estimated increased costs of production. This figure is not related to world market prices. As regards the 1899 future I would refer to the announcement which I made on 27th October last in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mr. Brook), that if a producers' wool marketing board is set up it will have the opporunity of sharing in any surplus of receipts which it obtains from the sale of wool over the amount guaranteed by the Government.
HurdCan the Minister tell us if there is a prospect of a wool marketing scheme being in operation for this year's clip, and if he will do everything in his power to expedite the matter through Government channels?
Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Member's guess would be as good as mine. If he examines the Estimates for my Department, he will see that we anticipate a possible loss.
§ Mr. OsborneSince the figure is given in the Board of Trade monthly report, will not the Minister tell the House the comparative world price?
Mr. WilliamsIn March, 1950, the world price was 38.7d. per pound, but, as the hon. Member is aware, world prices tend to fluctuate. The price paid to the British farmer has no relation to the world price. There is a relation between the price paid for wool and the price paid for mutton here, and the price paid for wool or mutton abroad.
§ Sir Hugh O'NeillCan the Minister say what will be the price this year for blackface wool?