§ 72. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Food if he will revise the fat stock terms for sheep and lambs by the introduction of a graduated in-wool premium from the beginning of January so as to avoid the shearing of sheep before sale, or alternatively a hold-up of fat sheep until the in-wool premium becomes payable on 18th February.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe prices for fat sheep and lambs including the special temporary premium for sheep in wool for the 12 months ending March next were fixed at the last February review, and I do not think it is necessary to make an adjustment for the first three months of next year. The prices can, of course, be reconsidered at the time of the next review.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyIs there no chance of making an adjustment from January next, because what is happening is that these sheep are being deprived of their winter coats at this time of the year in order to get the extra price for the wool?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, but this was agreed with the Department of Agriculture and the National Farmers' Union. The purchasing officers have the right to penalise people who put sheep in that condition on the market.