§ 52. Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average price received by his Department for Dorset down wool and Dorset horn wool on the resale of the 1949 wool clip.
The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)The average prices per lb. received for Dorset down wool and Dorset horn wool on the sale of the 1949 wool clip were 65½d. and 59d., respectively, for washed wool and 46½d and 49d., respectively, for greasy wool.
§ Mr. DigbyIn view of the profits to the Government which this shows, will the Minister consider taking steps to return a fair and adequate share to the producer?
Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Member must be aware that the price to producers is a guaranteed price. It is not necessarily based upon market demand, but is based upon the cost of production. It also isolates the farmers from wide fluctuations.